Field Poll: Campbell leads GOP Senate field; Boxer fades

WASHINGTON – Former Rep. Tom Campbell has a six-point lead over his closest challenger in the three-way Republican primary to face Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, whose popularity has significantly eroded in the past two months, according to a Field Poll released today.

The survey found Campbell leading former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina 28 percent to 22 percent among likely Republican voters in the June 8 primary, while Assemblyman Chuck DeVore had support from 9 percent. But most prospective GOP voters, roughly 40 percent, were undecided.

While Boxer’s races have historically been sleepy affairs, the poll indicates that Californians could be in for a barnburner this year. Boxer is in a statistical tie in trial matchups with both Campbell and Fiorina. In January, she had substantial double-digit percentage-point leads over all three GOP challengers.

“Formerly, I would have said this is in the Democratic column, but I would say now it’s got to be moved into the tossup column,” said Mark DiCamillo, the director of the poll. “There just seems to be a turning of voter opinions. I think a lot of it has to do with the Congress.”

Bye bye Barbara!