The Battle for Sacramento is Underway

The campaign is on for California Governor, even if the election is 2 years away

Updated 3:06 PM PST, Wed, Nov 12, 2008

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Californians still haven't recovered from the hangover the last election, but they're already being besieged with the campaign for Governor. And if you thought the Presidential race lasted forever, keep in mind the Gubernatorial election is still two years away.

On Wednesday, it was Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner positioning himself as the frontrunner. In a release, he listed seven Republicans in the Senate and 20 Republicans in the Assembly as endorsing him. He says that means he has more support than any other Republican, announced or unannounced, in the race.

In the release he says, “I am honored that such a distinguished group of Republican leaders who share the view that smaller government, lower taxes, individual freedom and economic policies that promote investment and job creation will put California back on the right track have endorsed me."

He may be able to make that claim, right now, but eBay CEO Meg Whitman is also drawing a lot of attention as a possible GOP contender for the Governor's mansion.

And there is no shortage of potential candidates on the Democratic side. The biggest question mark surrounds Dianne Feinstein, who would have to be considered the candidate to beat if she makes the decision to forsake Washington for Sacramento. Attorney General Jerry Brown, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala D. Harris, Superintendent of Education Jack O'Connell, and even Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa have either indicated their interest, or made some inquiries into carrying the Democratic banner into the general election.

And two years before a vote would be cast, the first polls are out. A new Field Poll shows Feinstein easily leading a field of Democratic contenders, with Whitman and Poizner topping a field of potential Republican candidates.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is termed out, so all will be fighting for an open seat. The first punches are already being thrown. Expect this campaign to battle on for quite awhile.

For results of the Field Poll, click here.