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. INITIATIVES from page 1 .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. .. . .. . .. .. . . . . . . .. . As has been typical in the state for nearly a one of his main points of leverage with legislators decade, Califomians have demonstrated a pro- in marginal districts. pensity to increase tax burdens and bond indebt- edness when they are faced with measures they Of the 12 measures where the Govemor lent feel should be given priority, exhibited this year his name—he won 10 of them. This is unprec- with measures conceming Mental Health, Stem edented for a Califomia Govemor whose records Cell research and Children's Hospitals. on statewide measures are usually mixed at best. Most instructive was the Govemor's support of the Slight voter advantages were also given to "No on 66" campaign (reform of "three strikes" in measures with a"pro-business" slant — a tort felony convictions). The proposition 66 campaign reform measure was passed and mandatory enjoyed signficant support in all statewide public health insurance for some employers was nar- polls for six months prior to the election. In early rowly defeated. While Califomia's economy hasn't October, Govemor Schwarzenegger made public suffered as much as other regions of the country, his opposition to the measure and proceeded to it is likely that the discourse of the anemic host a number of press conferences and fund a economy played into voters concems about media campaign with his likeness. Subsequently, economic sluggishness. the measure's support levels dropped nearly 25 points in the span of one week. For the first time in recent memory, there was no net change in either the Califomia State Assem- Propositions 68 and 70 (Gaming measures) bly or Senate. While this can largely be attributed w�ere also among the victories the Govemor to the strict partisan gerrymandering we have enjoyed. Nearly $100 million was spent in support been dealing with over the past two years, this and opposi6on to both of these measures—the uncanny event is particularly peculiar given the vast majority from card room and Indian interests. active involvement of Govemor Schwarzenegger These two priorities for the Govemor were evident in tegislative contests. In fact, the Govemor's throughout the election cycle, and although vastly success and political coattails (or lack thereofl outspent, Govemor Schwarzenegger accom- provide the most insight into what we are likely to plished his goal of'smashing' these measures — see in terms of a strategy for the Govemor going beating them soundly enough to not only claim forvvard. victory but to also send a message to gaming and other interests seeking to best the Govemor in the Governor Schwarzenegger took an unprec- initiative arena. edented amount of risk in the 2004 elections. By placing his name on 12 different initiatives and a Proposition 1A, another prioriry, also won a host of Republican candidates, the Governor rather lopsided victory. expended a signficant amount of political capital. The results of November 2 were mixed in terms of It's quite Gear that while the Govemor is his success. The failure to unseat any incum- popular and his opinions on ballot measures are bents and the inability to pick up any open seats well regarded, that sentiment is not translated to for Republicans are tikely to allay fears of many legislative campaigns. This is likely going to lead Democrats that 'crossing this Govemor' are akin to less confrontational actions 'in district' and to a political kiss of death. greater emphasis on initiative efforts as a means of leverage. The Govemor's appeal as a populist During the budget negotiations, Govemor is clearly relegated much more to the initiative Schwarzenegger began to threaten legislators arena than it is in legislative contests. who did not support his measures by campaigning in their district. By many accounts, this active involvement by such a high profile Govemor was Visit the League's Official IA�feb Site -- www.cacities.org PRIORITY FOCUS/PAGE 7