So, you believe that since you've decided on your presidential candidate, you are ready for the November ballot. Sorry! There's much more work to be done. As of June 17th, 11 propositions have qualified for the November 4th general election and, if passed, most of them could change your life
So far, the ballot propositions hit several hot-button issues such as same-sex marriage, teen abortions, cruelty to animals, renewable energy, and drug offenders. Then there's a tough-on-crime measure, an extension of crime victims rights, and bonds to support high-speed trains, children's hospitals, and the purchase of high fuel economy/alternative fuel vehicles. The last to qualify at this point would remove the Legislature from redistricting the legislative districts.
This year, the partisanship generated by the presidential election is expected to influence the fate of the propositions. Since there's much to read in those 11 propositions and for voters who adhere to party doctrine, it probably would be easier to just vote with your party. Of course, if everyone voted according to his/her party's preferences, the Democrats would win hands down since they have a growing 11% advantage over Republicans, according to the last California Voter Registration report released by Secretary of State Debra Bowen. The wild card is the increasing number of "Declined to State" registered voters, commonly known as independents. They amount to almost 20 percent of all registered voters and can shift the partisan balance in any contest.
Gloria Penner
from KPBS
June 27, 2008 at 06:40 PM
Here's what the Chairman of the California Republican Party emailed to me regarding the party's position on the propositions:
"Rail: no
Alternative fuels: no
Marriage: yes
Animals: no.
Will take up the rest in september. Thanks!"
Gloria
michael valentine
from spring Valley
June 28, 2008 at 07:34 PM
And what were the Democratic recommendations Gloria?
Matthew C. Scallon
July 02, 2008 at 12:08 AM
So the GOP has figured out 4 out of 11. While that's a good batting average, that doesn't make for effective governance. Little wonder they are losing popularity; that kind of "wait and see" attitude fits the Democratic pathos, making them no different than us Democrats, only with a duller wardrobe than ours.
vickie roberts
October 21, 2008 at 02:36 AM
When I followed your link to the democratic party's positions on the Nov 4 propositions in your June 25 blog, it gave an "OPPOSE" for 'nonviolent drug offenses, which I assume is Prop 5. But when I googled
democratic party November 2008 propositions
it looks like the Dem. party SUPPORTs Prop 5.
The site I went to was:
http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.4213689/
which looks like the official site. There is no date that I could find on
the page though. The rest of the propositions agreed on the 2 sites.
Kell Brigan from Sacramento, CA
October 23, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Complete GOP recommendations. (Dems'll have to fend for themselves. All's fair in love and elections.)
From:
http://www.cagop.org/blog/2008/09/crp-issues-recommendations-on-ballot.html
Proposition 1A: High Speed Rail Bond. Oppose
Proposition 2: Farm Animals. ("Condos for Chickens"). Oppose
Proposition 3: Expensive hospital bond. Oppose
Proposition 4: Parental notification, "Sarah’s law." Support
Proposition 5: Weaken penalties for drug crimes. Oppose
Proposition 6: Anti-gang measure authored by Sen. George Runner (R). Support.
Proposition 7: Expensive, unproven energy scheme. Oppose
Proposition 8: Protect Marriage. Support
Proposition 9: Protect Crime Victims' Rights. Support
Proposition 10: Expensive alternative energy bond. Oppose
Proposition 11: Redistricting reform. No Position
Proposition 12: Veterans Bond. Support.
