By Steve Peoples
Journal State House Bureau

According to a new poll, neither Attorney General Lynch nor Lieutenant Governor Roberts leads the race for Rhode Island's next governor. For that matter, neither does General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio or former U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee.

The left-leaning Rhode Island's Future blog found that Bob Walsh, the executive director of National Education Association Rhode Island, leads a crowded field with almost 35 percent in last week's online survey. Caprio was next with 20 percent.

Of course, the poll wasn't scientific or representative. There were just 190 votes cast, no way to ensure there weren't duplicate votes, and we don't think many conservatives participated.

Also, we noticed that the winner happened to be the boss of the author of the poll, NEA employee Pat Crowley.

"I was surprised to see Bob win the poll given the other candidates, but I think it shows he has appeal to the readers," said Crowley, who is also the blog's editor. "Rhode Island needs an Obama-type progressive in the race and maybe Bob is that person. Even though he is my boss in my 'day job,' Bob won this poll on his own merits and without any help from me."