Gov. Patrick's popularity declines

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Deval Patrick fielded pointed questions on several topics on Thursday night, including the appointment of a political supporter to a long vacant state job.

The forum at the John F. Kennedy Library comes amid Patrick and the Legislature's efforts to deal with a $1 billion state budget deficit and streamline the state's transportation bureaucracy.

A recent poll found Patrick's popularity declining with the economy and his gas tax proposal isn't winning him many friends.

"I hope someone runs against him maybe. Give me a better shot at who I would really like to see do something different," said Bob Germano of West Springfield.

That sentiment is in line with a WHDH-TV / Suffolk University survey where 47% of the registered voters questioned said someone else deserves to be elected next year.