In a recent post, I asserted that the California Presidential Primary would influence the national nomination process. Today, Carla Marinucci of the San Fancisco Chronicle reports that we should fasten our seatbelts, after reviewing a new private statewide poll which shows Republican preference up for grabs and a tightened double-digit lead for Clinton.

The private statewide poll taken of likely Golden State primary voters Sunday -- after the results of the Iowa caucuses - but before New Hamphsire's primary goes like this:

Elephants:

Sen. John McCain 18%
Gov. Mike Huckabee 15%
Gov. Mitt Romney 14%
Mayor Rudy Giuliani 12%
Senator Fred Thompson 9%
Rep. Ron Paul 5%
Undecided 24%

A month ago, Mayor Giuliani held a double digit lead. As did Senator Clinton, though it appeared to slim some immediately after her Iowa Caucus loss.

Donkeys:

Sen. Hillary Clinton 36%
Sen. Barack Obama 24%
Sen. John Edwards 12%
Rep. Dennis Kucinich 3%
Gov. Bill Richardson 2%
Undecided 20%

The Republican race in California may very well shake up the national picture. If these numbers hold, the delegates will be split all over the place. Of course, candidates with no money shouldn't expect to do much here. There are 21 other states on the same day to distract the attention of the news media unlike the Iowa or New Hampshire experience which gave poor Huckabee and McCain victories.

On the democratic side, expect Obama to try to win Nevada and South Carolina, get a bump to carry his campaign into Super Tuesday, Feb. 5th. If he can pull that off, he's in the race and likely, will be competitive in California where he has developed campaign organization and is already reaching out to absentee voters whom are expected to account for up to 45% of total voter turnout.

I just mailed mines today.

As you know, all will change up to the final minute, stay tuned!