Our latest survey of the race for Massachusetts governor shows businessman Christy P. Mihos, running as an Independent, continuing to grab a big slice of support. Democratic contenders still have the edge, but it has declined slightly.

When voters consider a three-way match-up, Democratic Attorney General Thomas Reilly leads with 34% support over Republican Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey's 27% and Mihos's 21%. Mihos has gained a couple points since our last election poll in Massachusetts, Reilly has lost four.

With lawyer Deval L. Patrick as the Democrat, Patrick leads 34% to Healey's 27%, and Mihos gets 19%. Again, that's a two-point gain for Mihos, four-point loss for Patrick. Healey has also gained a couple points in this match-up.

Before Mihos jumped in, Reilly led Healey 49% to 27%, Patrick led Healey 41% to 31%. There's still plenty of time until the election, and close to a fifth of voters are currently undecided. Mihos could also shake up the race again by dropping out again and throwing his support to Healey.

Reilly, Patrick and Healey are each viewed favorably by 46% of likely voters. Patrick has the lowest unfavorable rating but the most voters, 32%, unsure what to think of him.

Despite the state's reputation as "Taxachusetts," a plurality of voters in the state believe that tax increases hurt the economy while tax cuts help. However, the percentage holding that view in the Bay State is smaller than most other states. Half file their taxes electronically. Almost half say that doing their taxes is more painful than going to the dentist.

Governor Mitt Romney, who is considering a presidential run, is viewed favorably by 53%, unfavorably by 45%. In a prospective match-up with Hillary Clinton, more of the state's voters prefer the former first lady as President than prefer their own governor. Romney recently signed "universal coverage" health care legislation requiring individuals to purchase health insurance if they can afford it.

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