In the race for endorsements, the anti-Proposition 98 camp has lapped the competition. The question is whether the endorsements will make any difference in an election that is likely to see very low voter turnout.
In recent weeks, the no-on-98 campaign has trotted out endorsements by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Gov. Pete Wilson, Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican U.S. Rep. George Radanovich from the Fresno area, and the California Transportation Commission. Newspapers urging a no vote on 98 include the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Diego Union-Tribune, and the Riverside Press-Enterprise.
The pro-98 side has countered with endorsements from the likes of the Irvine Chamber of Commerce, the Log Cabin Republicans and the Libertarian Party of Monterey County. The only major newspaper to endorse 98 is the libertarian Orange County Register. Proposition 98 supporters can't even line up endorsements from the majority of local farm bureaus, even though the state Farm Bureau Federation helped write the initiative.
Sorry, but this is not a fair fight.
Proposition 98, of course, is the initiative backed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Farm Bureau Federation to prevent the use of eminent domain for economic development projects. It would also outlaw rent control. Supporters say Proposition 98 is necessary in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision permitting the City of New London, Connecticut, to take people's homes to make room for a mixed-use, economic development project.
Critics say that eminent domain has nothing to do with rent control, and they contend the measure is so poorly — or cleverly — written that it would bar use of eminent domain for water projects and might invalidate land use and environmental regulations.
This was Schwarzenegger's statement: "Eminent domain is an issue worth addressing; however, Proposition 98 would undermine California's ability to improve our infrastructure, including our water delivery and storage. California voters strongly support rebuilding our transportation, housing, education and water infrastructure, so it would be irresponsible to support a measure that would prevent the state from accomplishing our goals."
The concern regarding Proposition 98's potential impact on water projects has also caused the California Chamber of Commerce, The California Building Industry Association and the Western Growers Association to oppose the initiative. Keep in mind that these organizations are siding with every major environmental organization in the state.
Proposition 98's authors dispute the argument that the initiative would do anything to harm legitimate water projects. But if they can't convince natural allies in the world of Republican politics, development, business and agriculture, then it's difficult to believe they are going to convince always-skeptical voters.
– Paul Shigley
