With this state’s recovery outpacing the nation’s, Governor Patrick is riding high. Sixty-one percent of likely voters say the state is heading in the right direction, according to a new Suffolk University poll — and almost the same proportion have a favorable opinion of the governor.

That shows something impressive: The state’s congenial, consensus-oriented CEO has become a successful, well-regarded governor in tough times. But though it’s no doubt a delight to be Deval these days, the governor also faces a ticklish policy problem in the weeks ahead.