This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Former eBay CEO's Lead Takes a Big Hit in Race for Governor
In January, Republican candidate for Governor Meg Whitman had a 30 point lead over challenger Steve Poizner. Then the former eBay CEO had a 50 point lead. Now? Just 9 points, according to a new poll released by the Public Policy Institute of California.
“Meg Whitman has wasted $80 million on negative attack ads but conservatives are fighting back and they will not allow a liberal like Whitman to buy the Republican nomination," said Poizner, the state's current Insurance Commissioner, in a statement. "Despite Meg Whitman’s unprecedented spending, voters are rejecting her at a rapid pace because she supports amnesty, opposes the Arizona immigration law, and endorsed Barbara Boxer. Steve Poizner's plans to cut taxes across-the-board, protect Prop 13, and stop benefits to illegal immigrants, are causing his surge in the polls.”
Whitman lost support from many groups, but mainly with those who are not college graduates and those with annual household incomes are at least $80,000
In anticipation of the June 8th primary, both Republican candidates have been airing ads framing each other as liberals. If one didn't know any better, they'd probably think this was an odd race between Democrats.
And speaking of the one major liberal in the gubernatorial race, Attorney General Jerry Brown holds a lead over both Whitman (42% to 37%) and Poizner (45% to 32%). But at this point, it's anyone's guess. "Whitman led Brown by a similar margin in March (44% Whitman, 39% Brown), while Brown was ahead in January (41% Brown, 36% Whitman)," noted the PPIC>
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
