So, you thought you could change the political landscape in California, did you now?
Posted on 07/22/2005 6:48:57 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO (AP) - With negotiations between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic leaders at a halt, both sides are poised to go to political war in a Nov. 8 special election, even as the number of ballot measures dwindle and new calls are made by some to cancel the balloting all together.
"We are so deep into it now, I don't see how you can get the toothpaste back into the tube," said Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles. "We are so far down the path, I think we should have the special election and put the whole issue to rest."
The governor called the special election with hopes that voters would pass a set of initiatives that he believed would bring sweeping changes to California - how tax money is spent, how children are educated and how legislative leaders are chosen.
But political pressure and court rulings have diminished his agenda to just two measures - a new cap on state spending and a measure to lengthen the probationary period for public school teachers before they're granted tenure.
A judge on Thursday tossed Schwarzenegger's plan to give authority for drawing legislative districts to a panel of retired judges, because proponents circulated two versions during the petition process. The governor had already given up proposals to cut public employee pensions and to impose merit pay for teachers.
On Friday, a state Court of Appeal also kicked from the ballot a proposal by consumer groups to re-regulate the state's energy industry because it sought changes that conflicted with the state constitution.
Now, just six measures remain, including initiatives to require labor unions to get permission from members before spending dues on political campaigns; to notify parents before minors get an abortion; and to cut the cost of prescription drugs.
Some said the shrinking ballot and Schwarzenegger's growing list of problems - his falling poll numbers and charges of conflict of interest surrounding a magazine consulting contract - give Democrats new leverage over the governor to compromise for alternatives to his proposals.
But Democratic leaders said they have no interest in further talks and want to move forward to the election.
"We've concluded negotiations as far as I'm concerned," said Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland. "These are far too complicated issues to expect resolution in the next three weeks. The governor was interested in trying to work day and night, like we've done on the budget, but these issues are too complex and really require the legislative process to be involved."
Republican political consultant Dan Schnur said Democrats may be giving up a rare opportunity to extract concessions from the governor.
"If Democrats walk away from negotiations at this point, they may be giving Schwarzenegger back the rhetorical high ground," he said. "Now he can go to the voters and say he wants to make changes but the Democrats don't want to cooperate."
Others are renewing complaints that the special election is not needed and its $50 million price tag is far too expensive for just six ballot measures.
"If you look at what is remaining, it's hard to make the case that an election needs to be done now," said Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Redondo Beach. "Every poll I've seen shows the public doesn't want it."
Officials at the Secretary of State's office said the election could be canceled but it would require approval by a two-thirds majority of the Legislature and the signature of the governor.
Bowen said attorneys at Legislative Counsel of California have a different view and that the governor himself is the only one who could cancel the special election - just as the governor is the only one who can call a special election.
Margita Thompson, the governor's spokeswoman, said that Schwarzenegger has no intention of canceling the election or asking the Legislature to do so.
Either way, some said it might be politically prudent for Schwarzenegger to try for cancellation rather than see his measures defeated.
"I would not be surprised if the election were to be canceled," said Raphael Sonenshein, a political science professor at California State University, Fullerton. "As bad as it would look for him to do it, it would be worse to lose."
GOP political analyst Allan Hoffenblum said the governor is in a defensive position and has two options - one is to retreat and call off the election. The other, he said, would be to dig in and rally around the other measures left on the ballot that are of importance to Republicans - especially Proposition 75, which would restrict the use of union dues for political purposes.
"He could decide to take the public employees unions head on," said Hoffenblum. "Schwarzenegger said he wanted to take on the special interests that run Sacramento. I think you could make the argument that they are one of the biggest special interests there is."
Schwarzenegger, who has not endorsed Proposition 75, said as recently as Thursday that he remained optimistic that negotiations with the Democrats could produce compromise agreements. But, he said time, is running short.
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On the Net:
Gov.'s home page: http://www.governor.ca.gov/state/govsite/gov-homepage.jsp
California Senate: http://www.sen.ca.gov/
California Assembly: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/defaulttext.asp
MooReOns on PaRade in California! Part ???
When were c'Rats all of a sudden against holding elections anyway?
It's always a good time for them to hone their skills raising the dead and 'gaming' sheeple for votes.
IF Not ReFoRm now.. Then when?
i'm not in law, but my understanding of things legal is ... yous hafta have all yous t's dotted and yous i's crossed! (/s)
Good time to mobilze their Day Labor legions.
Would this be the same special election which would have the California Border Police Initiative on the ballot?
It is the crucial one.
Dunno. Norm?
It's pretty simple, Dont give the voters a different version of a proposition than you gave the AG. Not too hard. Also, feel free to dig $45 million out of your campaign chest to pay for the election.
So, you thought you could change the political landscape in California, did you now?
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LOL, One has to wonder, ex-California resident. ;-P.
The ship is in the grips of the maelstrom, and now, it will be just a matter of time.
Little sanity or leadership has been forthcoming from the legislature,, 'spend spend spend' is still the game of the day.
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