California: Latest Ballot Test

The Policy Analysis for California Education organization hired two pollsters, Tulchin Research, a Democratic firm, and Moore Information, a Republican counterpart to conduct their latest issue and political poll.  Together, the firms surveyed the California electorate (1/21-28; 2,500 CA registered voters) with an extensive online poll that concentrated on education issues in the Golden State.  The questionnaire also asked a ballot test question about the upcoming open Governor’s campaign.  According to the results, which were consistent with previous polling, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) leads the field of candidates with 29% of the jungle primary vote.  In second place is former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D) who secured 11%, and is closely followed by Republican businessman John Cox at 10%. 
 
The poll did include newly entered Republican candidate Doug Ose, a former northern California Congressman.  He begins at 4%, but will have the financial wherewithal to compete for stronger support, with the goal of edging into second place in order to advance into the general election.

--Jim Ellis