LOS ANGELES — Republican Steve Hilton has been near the top of virtually every statewide poll since entering California’s crowded and unpredictable gubernatorial race a year ago. But he isn’t acting like a front-runner.

LOS ANGELES — Republican Steve Hilton has been near the top of virtually every statewide poll since entering California’s crowded and unpredictable gubernatorial race a year ago. But he isn’t acting like a front-runner.