Poll: Trump Holds California GOP Lead By Attracting Schwarzenegger Voters
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Donald Trump's controversial missteps don't seem to be hurting him very much with California Republicans. The businessman continues to hold a consistent lead, two months before the pivotal California primary, thanks to the same voters who elected Arnold Schwarzenegger governor.
Back in 2003, "We're Not Gonna Take It" by Twisted Sister was the soundtrack for Schwarzenegger when he defeated Gov. Gray Davis in the recall election that year.
Now another tough-talking populist, Donald Trump, is using it too, as he rides his celebrity to the head of the Republican presidential field.
Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll, told KCBS that Schwarzenegger voters are fueling Trump's popularity among the state's Republicans.
"They're voting for Trump nearly 3 to 1," DiCamillo said.
Overall, Trump leads the latest Field Poll over Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, 39 to 32 percent, with Ohio Gov. John Kasich at 18 percent.
DiCamillo said Trump's support has held steady for months, but it may also have hit its ceiling here.
"There's a committed group that clearly like him, want him to be the nominee. But also, it's important to note that about a third of likely Republicans said they would likely be dissatisfied or upset, if Trump wins the nomination," he said.
The poll found Trump getting clobbered by Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton in a November matchup, 59 percent to 31 percent, while Clinton beats Cruz 55 percent to 32 percent.
