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CA: Deep-pocket interests alter state's initiative process
ap on San Diego Union - Tribune ^ | 11/2/08 | Steve Lawrence - ap

Posted on 11/02/2008 4:43:22 PM PST by NormsRevenge

SACRAMENTO – When Hiram Johnson championed an initiative system for California nearly a century ago, he sold it as a grass-roots way to “arm the people to protect themselves.”

California's 23rd governor foresaw citizen campaigns that would spring to life and put propositions on the ballot when the Legislature failed to address a pressing need.

--snip--

But 97 years after Californians voted to allow themselves to put measures on the ballot, overturn laws adopted by the Legislature and oust elected officials in midterm, Johnson's experiment in direct democracy has changed dramatically.

He couldn't have envisioned the multimillion-dollar campaigns for Proposition 10 and several other measures on Tuesday's ballot, some of which critics say will benefit their wealthy sponsors at the expense of state taxpayers.

(Excerpt) Read more at signonsandiego.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Politics/Elections; US: California
KEYWORDS: california; deeppocket; initiative; interests; pickens; prop10; prop5; soros

1 posted on 11/02/2008 4:43:25 PM PST by NormsRevenge
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To: NormsRevenge
We can still vote yes or no.

What's a better alternative?

2 posted on 11/02/2008 4:45:46 PM PST by nufsed
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To: NormsRevenge
Well I have at least one of the Props figured out...good for Google (It would be unfair to ban Ads across all web Sites):

Google caught up in row over gay marriage vote ( Allows Ads opposing Gay Marriage)

3 posted on 11/04/2008 10:41:10 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach (No Burkas for my Grandaughters!)
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