Brown Retains Lead, Prop 2 Gains Support

A new poll out from The Public Policy Institute of California shows Democratic Governor Jerry Brown maintains a wide lead over Republican challenger Neel Kashkari. Brown has the approval of 52 percent of likely voters, compared to 36 percent for his opponent.

Brown’s overall approval rating comes in at 54 percent. But survey respondent Wayne Meyers of Santa Rosa isn’t among Brown’s supporters. Meyers says he plans on voting for Kashkari because he doesn’t think Brown is taking the state in the right direction.

"I’m not happy with what’s happening here in California with taxes going up and the behind the scenes things that wind up costing us a lot of extra money," he says. "And they’re running business out of California."

The poll also shows increased support for Proposition 2, the “rainy day fund” backed by Brown. Approval for the measure now stands at 49 percent among likely voters up from 43 percent in September. In October Brown began using his campaign money to air ads promoting both for Prop 2 and Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond. Support for Prop 1 has remained strong with 56 percent of likely voters saying they’ll support it.

Proposition 45 may be feeling the effect of negative advertising. It would require the insurance commissioner’s approval for changes to health insurance rates. 39 percent of likely voters approve, down nine points since September.