Wait, there are propositions on the February ballot?

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]

The February ballot has the presidential primary (for better or worse) and it also has a few ballot initiatives. But, it looks like few have really noticed that. (My Prop 93 disclosure)

With less than six weeks to go before California's Feb. 5 presidential primary, voters still are largely unaware of five key ballot initiatives that could have broad impact on the state's political and economic future, according to a new Field Poll.

Proposition 93 would reduce the time a state legislator can serve from 14 to 12 years, although its passage would give some current lawmakers as many as three extra terms. But the new Field Poll found that just 1 in 4 voters - 25 percent - have seen or heard anything abut the measure. (SF Chron 12.27.07)

Furthermore,  we have the Native American Gaming Compacts, Props 94-97. There is a lot of money behind both sides of this fight, and with UNITE-HERE recently adding $2mil, it will not go quietly in the next 6 weeks.

And, for some reason, people just aren't polling on Prop 92, the community college initiative. Prop 92 would affect the Prop 98 formulas to increase funding to community college.  Prop 92 has split the traditional Democratic constituency, with the CTA going no, and the California Labor Federation going yes. It's still possible that something will come out tomorrow or next week from Field, though.

But, for those of you who are interested, here are the high-level numbers on Prop 93 and Props 94-97. You can also find cross-tabs at Capitol Alert.

Prop 93: Term limits reform

Yes: 50

No: 32

Undecided: 18

Props 94-97: Gambling Compacts

Yes: 39

No: 33

Undecided: 28