Q2 Trend Monitor: MA residents say no thanks to more MA presidential candidates, see Red Sox going far

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Massachusetts residents are feeling positive – about the direction of the state, about their governor and president, and about the Red Sox’s chances to repeat as World Series champs. But despite this general optimism, very few would like to see some of the state’s most prominent politicians attempt a bid for the White House 2016.

Those are the results of The MassINC Polling Group’s latest quarterly poll, out today. Among the key findings:

• Residents are expecting big things from the Red Sox this year. Nearly half (48 percent) think the team will make the World Series again this year, and 36 percent think they’ll defend their title.
• Sixty percent think Jerry Remy should continue as commentator for Red Sox telecasts compared to just 8 percent say it’s time for him to go. But nearly a quarter (23 percent) of those following the Jared Remy case “very closely” think Jerry should step aside – a potentially troubling sign for the broadcaster if the case continues to gain attention.
• Majorities continue to hold favorable opinions of both Gov. Deval Patrick (53 percent) and President Barack Obama (57 percent) and think the state is heading in the right direction (51 percent). But residents in the Western and Central region of the state are more concerned that the state is headed off on the wrong track (45 percent).
• Despite the positive view of Patrick, more (51 percent) would rather he not run for president in 2016, while 37 percent say he should. Residents are also cool to Presidential runs from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (38 percent “yes”), Former Senator Scott Brown (33 percent), and Former Governor and 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney (24 percent).
• Despite news coverage of the controversial state GOP convention during which he was left off the primary ballot, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mark Fisher has yet to make much of an impression with the public. Two-thirds (67 percent) have never heard of him, and few have formed either a favorable (3 percent) or unfavorable (5 percent) view of him.