[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen just a few hours ago announced proposition numbers for the 11 measures that will appear on the November 4, 2008, General Election ballot.

In a statement released with the number of 11 ballot measures, she took pains to indicate that although yesterday was the deadline for placing measures on the ballot, this requirement can be waived if there is an agreement by the governor and legislature. The statutory deadline for placing legislative and initiative measures on the ballot was yesterday, June 26.

It is not uncommon for this to occur with last minute negotiations that bend and blow through deadlines which are extended with the ballot measure that is passed and signed by the governor. If there is an extended delay, given the timelines for submitting arguments pro and con and other preparation of the voters’ pamphlet, there could be the need for a supplemental ballot pamphlet.

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

Last week, Senator Carole Migden sued the FPPC, alleging that Proposition 34 was unconstitutional. Interestingly, in 2000, when in the Assembly, Migden voted in favor of placing the proposition on the ballot.

Why the dramatic shift in positions? Well, as Randy Shaw pointed out last week, Migden has over $1 million that is in question in this case. Unless Prop 34 is somehow struck down, she cannot use that money.  And that's the bulk of her cash on hand. SmartVoter has more information about Prop 34 here. But, here's a quick recap of what it did:

   * Limits individual campaign contributions per election: state legislature, $3,000; statewide elective office, $5,000 (small contributor committees may double these limits); governor, $20,000. Limits contributions to political parties/political committees for purpose of making contributions for support or defeat of candidates.

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[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Preview of Coming Attractions: Especially Pro and Con Arguments and Other Info on Ballot Props

From the Office of Debra Bowen
California Secretary of State