California gubernatorial candidate, Meg Whitman, has closed a 9% deficit with Democrat Jerry Brown in a preview of what could be a general election match-up.
Rasmussen Reports polls Brown against potential GOP opposition.
1. Jerry Brown 41%, Meg Whitman 41%
2. Jerry Brown 43%, Steve Poizner 32%
3. Jerry Brown 42%, Tom Campbell 33%
Notes: The number of respondents who have a strong opinion of each candidate is low, indicating the race hasn't taken shape by any means.
Also, Jerry Brown has yet to declare for governor. He's set up an exploratory committee, and so far, his only challenger -- Gavin Newsom -- has dropped out.
Third, Brown's tepid support might give Sen. Dianne Feinstein a reason to jump in the race.
Earlier this month, she was asked if she might throw her hat in the ring, and she sounded like she was flirting with the possibility (she's flirted many times in the past with a run for governor).
"[I'll be] watching to see what precise programs are put forward by various candidates to handle what is a very serious structural budget deficit in this state. It's of major consequence and California is in considerable distress, and there have to be reforms."
[Hat tip: Real Clear Politics]
