Tobacco Tax Defeated in Oregon: What's That Mean for California's Democratic Health Care Bill?

[courtesy of The California Majority Report]

Big Tobacco's $12 million campaign -- about $3.50 per voter -- to defeat a proposal that would have raised the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $2.20 went down in flames in Oregon yesterday. So what's that mean for the Democratic proposal formally introduced by Speaker Nunez and Senate President pro Tem Perata on Tuesday that relies on a $2 per pack cigarette tax increase?
 
Next to nothing.
 
Measure 50, as the Oregon ballot question was called, directed funds only to children's health care, not the universal health care plan proposed by California Democrats. It's constituency was smaller, and voter turnout miserable (no other major elections on the ballot). And supporters couldn't match the record amount spent by Big Tobacco. The result: a lopsided 59% to 41% defeat.
 
In California, the pro-health care coalition promises to be broader and well-financed when Schwarzenegger agrees to sign on. In addition to labor, there is a strong coalition of big business that's ready to move forward, lead by Steve Burd of Safeway. The strange bedfellows campaign combo of Schwarzenegger/Legislative Democrats/Unions/Business would be a formidable foe for Big Tobacco.

The California initiative would not be the David vs. Goliath fight the Oregon battle was.

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Image courtesy Regina Nuzzo.