Romney, Perry Lead Pack Among California Republicans
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - California Republicans favor former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney over Texas Gov. Rick Perry in the GOP presidential primary, according to the latest Field Poll.
Romney led Perry 28 percent to 20 percent, and both men have left other Republican contenders in the dust. Poll director Mark DiCamillo said no other Republican candidate garnered more than eight percent.
"It's early, but the poll tends to indicate that the Republican primary, at least among voters in this state, is shaking down to a two-candidate race," he said.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
The Field Poll released Thursday shows Republicans who identify as born-again Christians exert considerable influence in California, but not enough for Perry to overcome Romney's eight point lead.
Neither candidate plans to attend the California Republican Convention this weekend. Romney is scheduled to appear at fundraisers in Atherton, Pebble Beach and San Diego on Friday. Perry held six fundraisers in California last week.
The poll also found 61 percent of registered Republicans in California identify at least somewhat with the Tea Party.
Only 31 percent of the state's registered voters are Republicans, while 44 percent are Democrats. The rest either declined to state a party, or registered with a 3rd party.
Despite Romney's strong lead in his party's primary, the Field Poll suggests California will continue to vote Democratic in the presidential contest despite President Barack Obama's low ratings.
A slim majority, 51 percent of the respondents, said they would vote to re-elect President Obama, while just 38 percent would vote for Romney.
"He's still the favorite," DiCamillo said.
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