California Governor Election 2010: Meg Whitman (R) Takes Lead Over Jerry Brown (D), 48% to 40%

There has been a reversal of fortunes in the polling data in the California Governors race for 2010. Early this month, Democrat Jerry Brown had a 2% point lead over Republican Meg Whitman. However, according to the most recent Rasmussen poll Whitman (R) has a 48% to 40% lead over Brown (D).

The tie is broken for now, with Republican Meg Whitman, coming off last weekend’s state GOP Convention, moving out to her best showing yet in the race to be the next governor of California.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in California finds Whitman earning 48% support, while Democrat Jerry Brown picks up 40% of the vote. Six percent (6%) prefer some other candidate in the race, and six percent (6%) are undecided.

With leaners, the Whitman goes over the 50% threshold:

When leaners are included in the new totals, Whitman posts a 51% to 43% lead over Brown. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate.

Where could the advantage for Whitman be coming from, Independents.

Ninety percent (90%) of California Republicans support Whitman, while Brown gets 75% of the vote from Democrats in the state. Voters not affiliated with either party prefer the Republican by 10 points.

Whitman is viewed Very Favorably by 19% of California voters and Very Unfavorably by 25%.

Twenty-five percent (25%) have a Very Favorable view of Brown, a longtime political figure in the state and former governor. However, 38% regard him Very Unfavorably.