Did you try seting it befor any other imports?
from panda3d.core import loadPrcFileData
loadPrcFileData('', 'win-size 1278 1024')
from panda3d.core import *
If you have a prc file -read it line by line and/or set the resolution with WindowProperties.
www.panda3d.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=90302#p90302
The code there (be it silly) is proven to work with the default build.