...in favor of "All Michael, all the time." I don't know whether that's a good thing for Herr Gropenfuhrer or not. He had planned this as a big publicity splash, but wouldn't you know, the verdict was announced. Basics about what's going to happen below the fold.
Here's what we're going to be having to fight against in the months and weeks leading up to November 8th:
1.) a re-enactment of the California abortion "squeal rule" which requires a minor seeking an abortion to either notify her parents or seek a judge's permission for a confidential abortion. This got shot down by the CA Supreme Court last time it was enacted. We might not be so lucky this time.
2.) a state spending cap, which lays a meataxe to the guaranteed level of spending given to education by Proposition 98, among other programs.
3.) a measure which is portrayed as empowerment of rank-and-file union members, but which in reality would neuter union political power.
4.) a measure to change teacher tenure rules to raise the probationary pre-tenure period from 2 years to 5 years. This will make it harder for new teachers to attain tenure, and will mean that many who are currently looking to become teachers might look elsewhere for an occupation.
There are a few good measures on the ballot too, but they can be re-introduced some other time. To simplify the message, we need to tell people this:
Just say NEIN to Ah-nold. Vote NO on everything on Nov. 8th. Vota !NO! en todo de noviembre el 8.
We also need to keep pushing the message that this election equals $80 Million of California State monies that will be WASTED because Ah-nold wants to flex his muscles. We need to point out exactly what could have been done in California with that $80 Million. The missed opportunities. The sacrifices that will have to be made to make it up.
Yes, prescription drug coverage for all Californians would be a good thing. So would putting power regulation back into the hands of the Public Utilities Commission. But those things must wait. We need to have a simple, non-nuanced message to give the public. We can't afford this election, but the damage is done. NO to everything on the ballot Nov. 8th; NO to Schwarzenegger.