POLL SHOWS LITTLE SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC AID TO PATRIOTS

     MA residents want the Patriots to stay in the state, "but
they are firmly opposed to spending public dollars to upgrade
Foxboro Stadium or to build the team a Boston megaplex home,"
according to a poll in this morning's BOSTON GLOBE.  The poll,
conducted by KRC Communications for the BOSTON GLOBE from
February 5-6, surveyed 400 MA residents on the issue of public
assistance in the wake of comments by Patriots Owner Bob Kraft
that he was promised financial aid by the state when he bought
the team.  The poll has a margin of error of +/- 5%.  Pollster
Gerry Chervinsky:  "The majority says 'build a convention center
but don't send state money on a football facility'" (BOSTON
GLOBE, 2/8).
     QUESTION:  Should the state pay to make improvements to
Foxboro Stadium?   68% No, 20% Yes.
     QUESTION:  Should the state pay to make improvements to
roads near Foxboro Stadium?  57% Yes, 34% No.
     QUESTION:  Should the state pay to construct a convention
center/stadium megaplex, or should the state construct a
convention center and let the Patriots pay for a new stadium if
they want one, or should the state spend no money on any kind of
facility like this?


          

  
 
    
Convention 
      Center/Stadium
    
 
      
33%
    
  
  
 
    
No facility
    
 
      
31%
    
  
  
 
    
Convention 
      Center only
    
 
      
28%
    
  


     QUESTION:  Patriots Owner Bob Kraft says he may have to move
the team unless the state provides funds for stadium
improvements.  Do you think he means it, or is he just making
threats to get state help?


  
 
    
Just making 
      threats
    
 
      
53%
    
  
  
 
    
He means 
      it
    
 
      
28%
    
  



     QUESTION:  How important is it to the image of Massachusetts
to have a pro football team?


          

  
 
    
Very important
    
 
      
37%
    
  
  
 
    
Somewhat 
      important
    
 
      
38%
    
  
  
 
    
Not important 
      at all
    
 
      
24%
    
  



     ON THE OWNER:  59% called Kraft a "savvy businessman who
purchased a valuable NFL franchise and should not expect state
help."  Only 23% said Kraft was a "civic-minded leader who
deserved state aid for keeping the team here when there were
fears the Patriots would move" (Scot Lehigh, BOSTON GLOBE, 2/8).