Newspapers editorialize, columnists argue against Prop 32
by Brian Leubitz
If you've been paying attention to the California ballot this year, you'll see that many newspapers have editorialized on the initiatives already. And across the state, major newspapers are saying No on Prop 32, the Special Exemptions Act. There are a variety of reasons in the editorials and columns, but they all boil down to the fact that the measure is not really political reform.
Let's start with the Sacramento Bee:
Proposition 32 would do nothing to curb independent expenditures.
Nor would Proposition 32 increase transparency of campaign money. It offers no additional tools to help the Fair Political Practices Commission and prosecutors investigate corruption. It makes no attempt to deal with ballot measure spending.(Sacbee)
You see, while the proponents argue that Prop 32 will reform the political system, the truth is that it not only exempts many businesses, but it also unfairly singles out labor. From the San Francisco Chronicle's editorial against Prop 32:
Meanwhile, organized labor has made defeat of Prop. 32 its highest priority in California because of what is unquestionably its most consequential element: A prohibition on the use of payroll deductions for political purposes. ... The measure does not attempt to put similar constraints on the ability of corporations and other interests to raise money. It does prevent corporations from using payroll deductions - but, in reality, that is rarely where they go for political money.(SF Chronicle)
And in the end, Prop 32 just isn't what it seems. That's why you see words like the following from the San Jose Mercury News:
If Proposition 32 did what supporters claim -- limit all special interest money from corrupting the political system -- we would heartily endorse it. It doesn't. It is a deceptive sham that would magnify the influence of wealthy interests while shutting out many middle-class voters. Vote no on Proposition 32. (SJ Merc)
Note: Brian Leubitz, the author of this post, works for the No on 32 campaign. Please like the campaign on facebook or follow on twitter. You can also get your No on 32 T-shirt here.