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Suffolk University Poll Shows Baker's Popularity Still High

BOSTON (CBS) -- The results of a Suffolk University poll released Tuesday show that Governor Charlie Baker's popularity rating remains high as he nears the end of his first full year in office.

According to the poll results, the Republican governor has a 70 percent favorable rating and a 15 percent unfavorable rating, down from 74 percent and 8 percent respectively at his 100-day mark.

"These are amazing numbers considering that registered Republicans make up only 11 percent of the state's voters, yet he easily tops some of the state's leading political figures, including both Democratic U.S. senators," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston, in a press release.

While the majority of Massachusetts voters support Baker, the poll found they are split on the subject of Syrian refugees.

"Generally, slightly more people agree with Baker, 47 percent versus 40 percent," said Suffolk University pollster Dave Paleologos. "But when they asked the respondents to weigh in on a couple of different statements, 51 percent said that they would be willing to accept Syrian refugees who have been properly vetted by the federal government--a majority."

Slightly over 40 percent polled agreed with a statement saying Massachusetts should not accept Syrian refugees because it would increase the risk of terrorists getting into the country.

Baker made it clear last week that he would need to learn a lot more about how Syrian refugees are screened before he'd be willing to support them settling in Massachusetts.

The poll also showed majority support for components of Baker's opioid bill, with 54 percent supporting the limitation of first-time opioid prescriptions to a three-day supply, and 65 percent agreeing that hospitals should be able to hold patients suffering from substance abuse against their will for up to three days.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mike Macklin reports

 

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