From Eric Dondero:

As we reported on our headline banner late Thursday, a new poll has been released for the Massachusetts Governor's race. This is the very first poll to show Republican Charlie Baker in the lead over incumbent Democrat Deval Patrick.

From Boston.com:

The latest from an Opinion Dynamics poll of 431 self-identified registered voters conducted between October 7, 2010 – October 10, 2010:

Thinking ahead to the 2010 general election for Governor of Massachusetts if the candidates were Republican Charlie Baker, Democrat Deval Patrick, Independent Tim Cahill and Green-Rainbow Candidate Jill Stein for whom would you vote?

Charlie Baker 37%
Deval Patrick 32%
Tim Cahill 14%
Jill Stein 2%
Don't Know 14%

This will be a solid GOP pick-up. Moreover, it was considered a long shot for Republicans at best earlier in the year.

Baker is heavily backed by "New England's Neal Boortz" libertarian radio talk show host Howie Carr. It was Carr who first broke the news of the poll late Thursday.

Note - Baker's running mate is State Senate minority leader Richard Tisei. He is a prominent member of Gay Republican groups, and has been called a "libertarian" on social matters.

Reporting from New England.