Gov. Patrick's numbers way down

Gov. Deval Patrick's standing with voters has slipped so badly that voters now are actually yearning for Mitt Romney again!

Patrick's approval rating has dropped 14 points since February and just 34 percent of voters approve of his job performance, according to the Fox 25/Rasmussen Reports survey.

And in an ominous sign for his reelection chances, just 33 percent of voters say they are very or somewhat likely to vote for Patrick in 2010, while 57 percent indicate they will vote against him. The survey includes 500 likely voters in Massachusetts and was conducted April 16.

The most stunning news in the poll is that voters are saying they would rather have Mitt Romney back.
Forty-nine percent say Romney did a better job as governor, while just 32 percent say Patrick is doing a better job.
This is particularly surprising since Romney's popularity had nosedived when he left after one term in 2007 to run for President.

Another finding of the poll is that Gov. Patrick's proposed tax increases have hurt him badly. A whopping 70 percent of voters say they are afraid Massachusetts is returning to its former nickname, "Taxachusetts."

For more on the poll and the Governor's standing, watch my reports at 5 pm and 10 and 11 pm tonight.

Massachusetts Survey of 500 Likely Voters
Conducted April 16, 2009 by Rasmussen Reports

Likelihood You'll Vote for Patrick in 2010 Governor Election?
Very likely 13%
Somewhat likely 20%
Not very likely 19%
Not at all likely 38%
Not sure 9%

Who Did a Better Job as Governor?
Deval Patrick 32%
Mitt Romney 49%
Neither 16%
Not sure 3%

Are You Afraid MA Is Returning to Former Nickname, "Tax-Achusetts"?
Yes 70%
No 24%
Not sure 6%

How Much Do You Miss George Bush?
A lot 13%
A little 18%
Not at all 65%
Not sure 4%

Obama Approval Index
Strongly approve 38%
Somewhat approve 20%
Somewhat disapprove 16%
Strongly disapprove 26%
Not sure 1%

Governor Approval
Strongly approve 8%
Somewhat approve 26%
Somewhat disapprove 26%
Strongly disapprove 39%
Not sure 1%