So like a good son I grab my Republican parents’ mail to bring it to them, and glancing at the sheaf of colorful political mailers my eye lights upon yet another lie. There, under the heading “Republican endorsements,” next to pictures of Fiorina, Maldonado, Cooley and Villines, is a big “YES on 14,” Maldonado’s Open Primary initiative.
NO. The Republican Party is AGAINST Proposition 14. So is the Democratic Party. So is everyone who wants Republicans to be more “conservative,” as well as all of us who want the Democrats to be more PROGRESSIVE. So are our idealistic friends in the Green and Libertarian parties, who will be even more shut out from the process if this passes.
Duane Roberts made a persuasive case here, twice, that passage of Prop 14 will result in electing only the most corporate-friendly members of the two major parties, who can rake in the most contributions and keep those contributors happy.
At first I liked the idea of more moderate Republicans. But nearly two-thirds of California politicians are Democrats, and the corollary would be much more corporatist Democrats. The way our districts are mostly either red or blue – not just because of politicians’ gerrymandering but also by our own self-segregation with likeminded people – will usually result in either two Democrats or two Republicans running against each other in the general, and the most watered-down candidate who can appeal to the other side winning. Bad news for those of us who really believe in the things our two main parties purport to believe in.
Which is why ALL the Parties, quite correctly, oppose this measure.
[P.S. It is sadly true, as the mailer says, that the GOP supports Prop 16 & 17, which friends do not let friends vote for. I guess the GOP craves continued utility and insurance money that much. Real life Republicans, like you guys reading, shouldn’t be so stupid. Listen to Juice Brothers Larry Gilbert and Aaron Park: 16 and 17 are SCAMS.]
YES on 13 and 15
NO on 14, 16, and 17.
Vern, I’m curious to know who the publisher of that slate card was. (It’ll be in the disclaimer box.) Please post or send to me privately. Also, is there a “paid for” asterisk next to any of the “Yes on 14” statements on the card? I know that the Voter Information Guide slate card publishers sent a slate card to Democratic voters that has a strong pro bono “No on 14” message. (Haven’t seen yet what they are sending to Republicans and to others, but am curious to find out.)
Thanks,
–Steve
Sure Steve… not sure exatly what the disclaimer box is, is it this:
Notice to voters: This document was prepared by California Voters Guide, not an official political party organization. Appearance in this mailer does not necessarily imply endorsement of other candidates or ballot measures in this mailer. Appearance is paid for and authorized by each candidate and ballot measure which is designated by an *.
And yes, there is an * next to the Yes on 14 statement.
It comes from California Voters Guide, 1954 W. Carson St, Torrance CA 90501, (310)787-6573, FFPC ID 595-004, FEC ID C00305706
I doubt there’s anything illegal, if you really parse the thing it never literally says the Republican Party endorsed Prop 14, it just looks that way at first glance. I just wanted to make sure that everyone who reads this blog knows that it doesn’t.
Vern.
I cannot find a slate mailer from many years ago. So readers will simply have to accept this to be true. Larry Gilbert was on the same slate mailer with Bill Clinton. It was a Democrat mailer that was sent to thousands of registered Democrats in Mission Viejo.
Folks. Be careful believing anything on those mailers.
Except for the top of the ticket every other person or ballot measure pays to be included in these mailers. Campaign consultants typically lock up all the open spots for incumbents which blocks challengers from even getting a chance at buying in.
We just received one mailer from a Republican firm that includes ads promoting two turncoats. Abel M and Mike V.
Larry, its only a business. Don’t have a stroke.
As long as you have the cash we will look the other way and stick out out hand to get your check.