The Hiller Instinct: 7News-Suffolk Poll: Power and Politics

William Bulger, President Umass
"I'll be here and I'm not going anywhere."

It's Bulger versus the governor as Mitt Romney calls for...

Goverbor Mitt Romney, (R) Massachusetts
"Abolishing the office of the president of the University of Massachusetts."

Asked if he'll have his job a year from now, Bulger smiles and says,

William Bulger
"Yes."

But state voters don't think he'll last much longer than that. Asked if they think Bulger will be UMass president two years from now, 32 percent say yes, but 50 percent say no and 18 percent are undecided.

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"Romney will be the beneficiary if President Bulger leaves within two years, but he may leave on his own terms, not on Mitt Romney's terms."

Speaking of terms, Romney is no shoo-in for a second. It's just too soon to know if he'll be re-elected, 42 percent think yes, 34 percent think no and the 24 percent, who are undecided, will decide whether he can win again.

Romney is betting his future on one word...

Goverbor Mitt Romney
"Reform…"

But, so far, voters don't see it. Only 22 percent say yes, he has reformed Beacon Hill, but 59 percent say no and 19 percent are undecided. Still, voters think Romney is the second most powerful person on Beacon Hill, ranking him far ahead of Bulger and Senate President Robert Travaglini, but far behind the man they say is most powerful... House Speaker Tom Finneran.

Prof. David Paleologos
"Tom Finneran's the most powerful person, not to be confused with popularity. His unfavorable is extremely high and that may work to Mitt Romney's benefit."