Voters Don't Like Arnold's Election or His Initiatives--And Are Starting to Turn Against the Drug Companies, Too.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's year of failure is getting worse.

Mark Z. Barabak and Michael Finnegan in the LA Times point out that more and more Californians are saying they don't want Arnold's special.  They write:

"Two years after Californians made history by ousting their governor in an eruption of populist anger, voters are approaching the latest special election with a mix of reluctance, irritation and, most of all, confusion.

Many ask why they are being summoned to the polls yet again, for the sixth statewide vote in just over 3 1/2 years. They lash out at Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, from different points on the political spectrum, with the same cynicism and frustration that undercut his predecessor, Gray Davis. "

The irony is that Schwarzenegger's ill-conceived special election is causing voters to turn against all the initiatives he supports--the budget cap, mis-term re-districting, and the attack on teacher tenure.  In fact, his centerpiece initiative, which would end guaranteed funding for schools and give the Governor more power over the budget, is only supported by 19% of Californians.  19%!!  You could probably 19% of people in this state to agree to  a ban on John Maurelius in the San Diego Union-Tribune carries the story and writes:

"Two months before the Nov. 8 special election Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called, the governor's political agenda is in serious trouble as none of the three initiatives he qualified for the ballot enjoys majority support, a new Field Poll shows.

The most stunning finding shows the centerpiece of what the Republican governor calls his reform agenda trailing by more than 3 to 1.

That is Proposition 76, the Live Within Our Means Act that ties state spending to a three-year average and allows the governor to make midyear cuts when revenues fall behind expenditures, if the Legislature does not act. "

So how does Schwarzenegger respond? By virtually promising to raise taxes if Prop 76 fails. 

Finally, excellent news for seniors and low-income people who need to buy prescription drugs.  The drug companies have been pushing Proposition 78, a cynical manuever that will pad their bottom line and shortchange sick people in this state--while forestalling genuine efforts to expand access for poor people.  Despite early TV commercials, Prop. 78 is only checking in at 49% in the polls, meaning it has an uphill battle.   Greg Lucas in the SF Chronicle has the story.

Comments

[K. Potts (RN)]

The idea of spending money only if we have it should apply to government as well as to businesses and families. I do not understand why so many would approve of overspending. Why is it that the easiest path to take is to raise taxes? The basic needs must be met first and then spend the extra on the "special interests." And, why is there so much criticism of one who is trying to straighten out the mess left by Davis? This is not a job I would want to try to tackle...

And, about the unions. I am required to have the dues taken out of my paycheck, whether I agree with it or not. I do not support the CNA's "fight" with Arnold. I agree that we need the ratios, but we are already ahead of the rest of the nation on that. It's great. Why must everything be perceived as an "attack?" Can't you see that he is trying very hard to make sure that we actually HAVE the money everyone wants spent?