WPRI-TV (Channel 12) is getting ready to release some early indicators on this big political year (disclosure: I'm a weekly panelist on the station's Newsmakers show). The poll, billed as the station's largest, includes the following questions:

• Who’s leading the race for Rhode Island’s Governor?
• Will the congressional races be more competitive this year?
• Who’s to blame for the state’s budget mess?
• What are the most important issues to you and your neighbors?
• How do Rhode Islanders feel about healthcare?

These questions, and many more, will be answered by you, the voter, and the results revealed only on Eyewitness News on WPRI 12 starting Thursday, February 4th at 6pm.

The poll, conducted by Fleming & Associates, was done with Rhode Island registered voters statewide. The interviews were conducted by phone January 27 through January 31, 2010. Interviews were conducted only with registered voters in Rhode Island who passed a screening designed to establish their registration status. The 500 person sample has a margin of error of 4%, except for the questions involving the Congressional District races, which have a margin of error of 6% based on a 250 person survey.

The results will be released on Eyewitness News on WPRI 12 at 6pm and 11pm on Thursday, February 4th and Friday, February 5th, as well as Eyewitness News at 10 on Fox Providence. Complete result will also be available on http://www.wpri.com