However, in general election match-ups, Patrick is in the lead now that the race has been joined by state Treasurer Tim Cahill. Cahill is a longtime Democrat, but Rasmussen says his entrance appears to be hurting the two Republican hopefuls, businessman Christy Mihos, who ran as an independent for governor in 2006, and Charles Baker, the former head of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

Patrick leads Mihos 34 percent to 23 percent with Cahill also at 23 percent. Nineteen percent are undecided.

Patrick marshals the same 34 percent level of support against Baker who draws 24 percent while Cahill gets 23 percent with 19 percent undecided.

The margin of error is 4.5 points.