The golden state's movie-star governor has scrounged a narrow lead over State Comptroller Steve Westly (D). Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is still neck and neck with State Treasurer Phil Angelides (D).

The latest Rasmussen Reports California election poll shows Schwarzenegger leading Westly 39% to 34% in his bid for reelection. The Governor trails Angelides 41% to 40%.

Since January, Schwarzenegger has lost one percentage point when matched with Angelides. This is the third straight poll showing the gap between Angelides and Schwarzenegger as smaller than the survey margin of sampling error.

But against Westly, the governor has been gaining ground. In December, Westly had a modest lead. In January, they were essentially even. Now, the Governor has a five point advantage.

The governor, once very popular, is now viewed unfavorably by 50% of the state's voters. Just 41% view him favorably.

While the governor is viewed unfavorably by many, his opponents remain largely unknown. Forty-four percent (44%) now report they are "not sure" of Angelides, while 57% are unsure what to think of Westly.

The Governor's recent moves, including the hiring of a liberal Democrat to his senior staff, has apparently muddied the partisan waters. None of the candidates attract the kind of support that is normally expected from their own political party.

If this much voter uncertainty and disaffection persists in coming months, it could make for quite a dramatic lead-up to November.

California voters are slightly more likely to trust congressional Democrats on both Iraq and the economy than they trust President Bush.

When asked to consider which of four major election issues is most important to them, 41% say Iraq, 21% say the economy, 23% say health care, and 10% say finding alternative energy sources.

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