Support of California Ballot Propositions Continues to Crater

The governor and state legislature are in for a rude awakening on May 19th:

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is hitting the road, warning of dire fiscal consequences if the special election ballot measures don't pass. But a majority of Californians say they prefer to take their chances and vote "no," according to a new poll.

In a Survey USA poll of measures 1A-1F, five of the six initiatives appeared headed to defeat with just a week to go before the election.

A plurality of voters favored one measure -- Proposition 1F -- which would ban pay raises for state elected officials when there is a budget shortfall. Prop 1F was favored by 45 to 35 percent.

The cornerstone of the special election, Proposition 1A, trailed 51 percent to 38 percent, according to the poll. Prop 1A would impose state spending restrictions and a "rainy day" budget fund while triggering $16 billion in extended tax hikes.

The Proposition 1B educational funding measure -- which is pegged to passage of Prop 1A -- trailed 50 percent to 41 percent, according to the poll.

Proposition 1C, would allow $5 billion in borrowing from a revamped state lottery, was by far the least popular measure. It trailed 52 percent to 29 percent and was losing in every geographic region in California.

Majorities also opposed Propositions 1D and 1E. The measures would allow voter-approved funds for child development and mental health programs to be used for other purposes.

Right here at home there will be another Tea Party protest on the day before the election (from the Mission Viejo Dispatch):

A local group is sponsoring a new tax Tea Party on the heels of the successful general tax protest held on April 15. This time taxpayers will assemble next Monday, May 18 objecting to the batch of tax-related propositions on Tuesday’s Special Election ballot.

Mission Viejo Republicans will have 100 picket signs available urging passers-by to vote NO ON EVERYTHING on Tuesday’s ballot, but participants are invited to bring their own signs. The non-partisan street corner rally will last from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at the intersection of LaPaz and Marguerite Parkway.

I'll be coming back from Northern California that day, but hopefully I'll get a chance to stop by and get some pictures.