State of the nation

Mercury News:

President Bush's job-approval rating in California has hit a new low, dragged down by growing discontent over Iraq, particularly among his fellow Republicans, according to a Field Poll released today.

Bush's popularity slipped to 34 percent, down seven points from the previous Field survey, in February. His rating now rivals the low marks earned by former presidents Nixon and Carter and Bush's father near the end of their presidencies. Bush has 3 1/2 years remaining in his term.