Poll: Patrick has double-digit lead

BOSTON, MASS. (AP) - A new poll shows Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick opening up a double-digit lead in this year's Massachusetts gubernatorial race.

The Suffolk University/WHDH-TV survey shows Patrick leading Republican Charles Baker 42 percent to 29 percent, a margin of 13 points.

A similar survey in February had Patrick ahead 33 percent to 25 percent, a lesser margin of 8 points.

The latest poll also shows independent candidate Timothy Cahill plummeting after the Republican Governors Association targeted him with a $1 million negative advertising campaign.

Cahill had the support of 14 percent of those surveyed, compared with 23 percent
in the February poll.

The GOP has been concerned Cahill, a former Democrat, could attract the same fiscally conservative voters Baker is targeting.

The fourth person in the race, Green-Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein, had 8 percent of the vote.