BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) -- We've been reporting all week that the race for governor is a dead heat. However, a new poll released Wednesday shows Martha Coakley's lead with women starting to fade, and Baker's lead with them inching up.
FOX 25's political reporter Sharman Sacchetti caught up with the candidates to ask about the new poll, plus the heightened rhetoric and if they're both trying to play it safe.
Republican Charlie Baker was at the coffee shop in Grove Hall for a meet and greet while Coakley spent time with women at Crittendon's women's union in Brighton.
Sacchetti had questions for both on playing it safe on the trail, giving vague answers and the gender gap.
But first, when asked about flip flopping on issues since his last run in 2010, Baker said, "Any good leader always factors the environment into the decisions they make, with respect to their policies and their positions."
Baker says the Coakley campaign is on the attack because they have no plan. Coakley says she's just pointing out differences.
"It's not negative. It's contrasts. It shows what I stand for, what I'm gonna champion," she said.
We did ask Baker about his tendency as of late to repeat campaign talking points, he smiled, and said he doesn't think that's the case at all.
"I think I've been very good about answering whatever questions anybody has for me, and I plan to continue. After that, he launched into talking points.
When asked why she's taking a so-called "Wait and see" approach to all kinds of issues, Coakley said, "I know in campaigns people like to have a narrative sometimes, it's why I've been focused on a very specific an positive vision about turning this economy around for everybody."
Lastly, Sacchetti asked about the gender gap. A new WBUR poll released Wednesday shows Coakley's lead among women has dropped nine points in one week, and shows Baker making inroads.
"I don't pay attention to those polls," Coakley said. "I think that our message is resonating. I intend to focus, as we have, on our grassroots campaign."
Coakley's campaign is quick to point out she's had millions in negative ads from the national GOP directed at her, but Baker has also had negative ads directed at him.
On Friday, Michelle Obama will appear in Dorchester for Coakley. Voters will head to the polls in about a month.
