CA: GOP-linked donors to Prop. 11 campaign fuel opponents' claims

LA Times ^ | 10/24/08 | Nancy Vogel

[NormsRevenge]

Reporting from Sacramento -- The chief cheerleader and fundraiser for Proposition 11, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, has insisted that the push to change how voting districts are drawn is bipartisan. But the half-million dollars donated to the backers' campaign last week by Florida businessmen with Republican ties has fueled opponents' claims that it's a GOP power grab.

"Republicans from Florida are giving huge donations to this initiative for one reason," said Paul Hefner, spokesman for the campaign against the measure. "They're convinced it helps their cause and hurts Democrats."

At the posh Fort Lauderdale home of well-connected attorney and Republican backer Scott Rothstein, Schwarzenegger persuaded the Floridians to write checks of $2,500 to $250,000 to support Proposition 11, which would strip the Legislature of the power to draw its own districts and give the task to an independent commission.

In California, the top donors to the campaign for the measure are also loyal contributors to Republican causes.

Traditional backers of Democrats have kicked in nearly $1 million of the $13 million raised by Schwarzenegger and other proponents this year.

The good-government groups backing Proposition 11 say it's simply easier for Schwarzenegger to raise money from fellow Republicans. Furthermore, they say, campaign finance reports don't show all the work that AARP, California Common Cause and the League of Women Voters have done touting the virtues of Proposition 11 to their millions of members of all political stripes.

--snip--

At least a couple of people who attended the Fort Lauderdale fundraiser said they donated because they like Schwarzenegger and see Proposition 11 as good reform.

"It sets a precedent for them to have a fair process regardless of who's in power," said Daniel Mink of Plantation, Fla., an owner of Renato Watch Co. and $5,000 donor. He said he is a registered Republican.

[NormsRevenge]

ironic, the dems and left griping about power grabs..

[edcoil]

I’d say it is a GOP attempt to try and make California fair and a chance to equally represent the people.

[NormsRevenge]

It’s one of my 5 YESs on the ballot..

It can’t make things much worse or at least one would hope not, altho aRnie&the Kennedys would like to see it result in more ‘moderate’ elected to office.

Oh well. The battle continues.. to restore the California Republic and tear the Insane Asylum of an edifice this state’s gubamint hath become.

[counterpunch]

Well that settles it.
I wasn’t sure how to vote on this one.
Now I’m supporting it.

[RobinOfKingston]

But the half-million dollars donated to the backers' campaign last week by Florida businessmen with Republican ties has fueled opponents' claims that it's a GOP power grab.

The originator of that thought about a "GOP power grab" has a great future in stand-up comedy.

[counterpunch]

Props 4, 8, 9, 11... 12?

[stylin_geek]

I voted against it, because it puts redistricting in the hands of politicians who won’t have any interest in changing things. The so-called “change” really isn’t much of a change.

You have 5 things you’re voting yes on? I think I voted yes on one...prop 8.

Voting “no” on high speed rail was a no brainer. Billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars and continued taxpayer subsidies to keep it up and running. Probably the single most ridiculous measure on the ballot

[counterpunch]

Or are you supporting 6 instead of 12?

I originally was against 6, because it has spending mandates, which I oppose, and I was suspicious of the nonspecific changes to existing laws in the voter guide.

But I see it stiffens laws against gangs, illegals, and government housing, and I see that the Democrat party opposes it. So I may change my mind on it. But I’ll still need to investigate the budget impact from the spending mandates.

[NormsRevenge]

Props 4, 8, 9, 11... 12?
—

Bingo..

:-)

[NormsRevenge]

I’ll take a look at 6 .. maybe I will go 6 of 12, Thanks!

and as for having spending mandates, not to worry.

we can always borrow more. :-)

[rivercat]

In case anyone missed it... Here’s Tom McClintock’s take on the CA Propositions: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2110868/posts

The summary:

Prop. 1A High Speed Rail Bond. NO
Prop. 2 Farm Animals. NO
Prop. 3 Hospital Bond. NO
Prop. 4 Parental Notification. YES
Prop. 5 Non-violent drug offenses. NO
Prop. 6 Police and Law Enforcement Funding. YES
Prop. 7 Renewable Energy Subsidies. NO
Prop. 8 Defense of Marriage Act. YES
Prop. 9 Parole Reform. YES
Prop 10 Fuel Subsidies. NO
Prop 11 Redistricting. YES
Prop 12 Veterans Bond Act. YES

[eclecticEel]

Duh, the Dems know they’ll have the majorities to continue gerrymandering the state to their own benefit for years to come, why would they want to change anything?

[counterpunch]

It's sponsored by Republican George Runner.
Take a look, not too bad.

Proposition 6
 

[NormsRevenge]

Thanks! link to the California Legislative Analyst's Propositions analyses home page.

[eclecticEel]

It’s interesting that he’s supporting prop 9, that was one that I was really unsure about. I still can’t seem to figure out what it actually does - and if I don’t understand a proposition I’ll just vote against it.

[rivercat]

Yeah, but here's what Tom has to say about it... "This requires the victim to be considered when a suspect’s bail is being set or a criminal’s parole is being determined. About bloody time."

[counterpunch]

Here's Tom McClintock on the Propositions at his blog.
He supports the 6 of 12.
 

[goldstategop]

Every Democratic interest group and the entire Democratic Party would be against ANY redistricting reform. They want to keep their power. That's just human nature.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus