The last two polls showed about 42% of Republicans supporting it to 37% opposing it.
What polls were those?
The numbers sound more like the statewide polls... both Republicans AND Democrats.
I believe there is a STRONG majority of Republicans who oppose it... much more than 42%
Both initiatives have been endorsed by the Democratic Party, Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein, the SEIU, CTA, etc.
What does that tell you?
I strongly oppose both initiatives.
Democrats have opposed it by an almost 20% margin.
Schwarzenegger's done a good job at selling his message to GOPers that "this package is either a vote FOR me or a vote AGAINST me" - he's got the entire GOP establishment to support him... all 58 County Republican Chairman have backed him, Congressman Darrell Issa has backed him, even conservative Republican legislators like Dennis Mountjoy and Ray Haynes have signed on to the plan. Roger Hedgecock of KOGO San Diego backs both 57 and 58 as does KTKZ Sacramento's Eric Hogue.
I voted NO on all the initiatives this year. So I am with you. But it has amazed me to see how effectively the Governor has used his popularity to get all the party establishment (including conservatives) to rally around him on the bonds.
Now... the establishment and rank-and-file are two different things... so we'll see if the bonds pass. But right now it's the MAJORITY of Democrats opposing the bonds (because they are Arnold's bonds) that has 57 trailing in the polls. Amazing since Democrats notoriously L O V E every bond or tax increase proposed.