When California Republicans were asked how they would vote if they were choosing among Trump, Carson, Bush and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio — the four candidates who led nationally when the poll was conducted — Trump strengthened his standing, with 27% of the vote. Carson added 7 percentage points for a near-tie with Trump at 25%. Rubio and Bush eked their way into double digits, at 13% and 11% respectively.
In individual head-to-head competitions, Trump clocked Bush, 47% to 32%. But outsider Carson defeated Trump, 43% to 32%.
“Right now we are all clearly watching the Donald Trump show,” said Dave Kanevsky of American Viewpoint, the Republican polling firm. But, he noted, even popular shows can find themselves canceled.
“Trump has a high floor,” Kanevsky said. “But he could potentially have a low ceiling against a non-Jeb Bush candidate.”
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