C.A. – P.O.’d: The latest poll from the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California looks at the status of five of the eight propositions on the ballot in the November 8 special election. It also rates the job approvals of top officials.
The governor’s measures to restrict state spending (Proposition 76) and redraw legislative boundaries (Proposition 77) both appear to be tanking.
The other two props sponsored by Schwarzenegger – Prop 74, which would increase probation time for teachers; and Prop 75, which would restrict the way public employee unions use members’ dues for political purposes – are both in a dead heat.Bad news is, Proposition 75 was up 25 points over today in the same poll two months ago.
The abortion notification initiative (which Schwarzenegger did not sponsor and has been mum about) is marginal but could fail.
| Prop. 73 | Parental Notification Before Termination of a Minor’s Pregnancy | Yes: 44% | No: 48% |
| Prop. 74 | Teachers Waiting Period for Permanent Status and Dismissal | Yes: 46% | No: 48% |
| Prop. 75 | Public Employee Union Dues and Political Contributions | Yes: 46% | No: 46% |
| Prop. 76 | State Spending and School Funding Limits | Yes: 30% | No: 62% |
| Prop. 77 | GOP Redistricting | Yes: 36% | No: 50% |
The special election itself continues to be unpopular. Most voters (54 percent) still think it is a bad idea. And, matching national trends, the ratio of Democrats who are against holding the election (76 percent) is roughly equal to the percentage of Republicans who are for it (70 percent). The overall numbers on this question are unchanged from last month.
The governor’s approval rate among voters is a pathetic 33 percent, with 58 percent of us disapproving.
Even President Bush is more popular in California than Schwarzenegger – 36 percent approve, and 60 percent disapprove, of the job the president is doing.
