The University of New Hampshire published a Boston Globe mayoral poll on September 12, that shows John Connolly has emerged from a crowded field as the favorite. In August, a Sage Systems poll listed Connolly on top with 12 percent; Marty Walsh was a close second with 11 percent.

The UNH poll had Connolly receiving 13 percent of the vote, while Walsh took a step back to eight percent. Charlotte Golar Richie emerged as the top contender for Connolly, receiving nine percent in the poll, up two percent from her Sage Systems ranking.

This most recent mayoral poll also gauged the candidates’ favorability amongst potential voters. Again, Connolly emerged as the clear front runner.

From the poll results, voters appear unanimous regarding a citywide vote for a Boston casino; mixed in terms of how to improve schools; and would prefer Boston’s next mayor to follow in the footsteps of incumbent Mayor Thomas Menino.

Here are 10 statistics you need to know from the poll:

1. Poll Results:

1. John Connolly: 13 percent
2. Charlotte Golar Richie: 9 percent
3. Dan Conley and Marty Walsh: 8 percent
4. Rob Consalvo: 6 percent
5. Mike Ross; Felix Arroyo; John Barros: 5 percent
6. Bill Walczak: 4 percent
7. Charles Clemmons: 1 percent
8. David James Wyatt: 0 percent

(Results With “Leaners”)

1. Connolly: 15 percent
2. Walsh; Conley; Golar Richie: 10 percent
3. Arroyo; Barros; Consalvo: 6 percent
4. Ross: 5 percent
5. Bill Walczak: 4 percent
6. Charles Yancey: 3 percent
7. Charles Clemons: 2 percent
8. Wyatt: 0 percent

2. How sure are voters?

Twenty-four percent of those polled have definitely decided; 16 percent are leaning; and 60 percent are still trying to decide.

3. Favorability Rating:

1. Connolly: 47 percent
2. Arroyo: 37 percent
3. Walsh: 36 percent
4. Dan Conley: 38 percent
5. Charlotte Golar Richie: 29 percent
6. Mike Ross: 28 percent
7. Rob Consalvo: 26 percent
8. John Barros: 23 percent
9. Bill Walczak: 19 percent
10. Yancey: 18 percent
11. Charles Clemons: 6 percent
12. David James Wyatt: 3 percent

4. What influences mayoral vote?

Fifty-eight percent said background/experience; 29 percent said position on a policy issue; and five percent said neighborhood.

5. Will you vote?

Fifty-two percent said they will vote; 14 percent said they won’t vote.

6. Should the next mayor follow Menino’s course or go in a new direction?

Forty-five percent said follow; 38 percent said go in new direction; 17 percent don’t know.

7. Most important problems in Boston?

1. Crime and violence: 29 percent
2. Quality of schools: 18 percent
3. Economy/jobs: 13 percent
4. Parking/traffic: 7 percent
5. Cost of housing: 6 percent
6. Other: 22 percent

8. City-wide casino vote:

Sixty-seven percent voted in favor; 27 percent said the vote should be restricted to East Boston only.

9. Ways to improve Boston schools:

Twenty-five percent vouch for more charter schools; 22 percent said neighborhood schools; 20 percent favor more leeway for principals; 9 percent said stronger Teachers Union.

 10. Best Background for mayor

1. Community/social activist: 30 percent
2. Serving on City Council: 20 percent
3. Business experience: 16 percent
4. Combination: 15 percent
5. Other Elected Office: 10 percent

Photo via Jamaica Plain Gazette