The California Target Book, published by Fox and Hounds Daily contributor Allan Hoffenblum, tracks the state’s political races. The Target Book sponsored a conference yesterday to peer into the crystal ball at the 2010 races; the attitude of California voters; and a look at the dysfunction of California governance. Some notes jotted down at the conference:
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Democratic Pollster David Binder says its wrong to think voters are against all taxes. They are opposed to taxes on themselves but are willing to approve taxes on corporations and businesses. But, Binder admits, a counter argument that raising taxes on business could affect jobs in the state has some effect.
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Binder says Decline to State voters (DTS) are becoming disenchanted with the Republican Party. DTS voters make up 20% of the electorate, and as Republican pollster, Steve Kinney, commented, the independents decide elections.
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State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, in trying to explain the discord in the legislature, said he believes Republicans who serve in the legislature have changed since his day. They are less pragmatic.
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Lockyer also said government must be more efficient because California is at a tax ceiling.
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Former Republican state senator Jim Brulte said conservatives once had influence in the Republican primary. They now have dominance. Brulte said the growing DTS voters are mostly moderates leaving the major parties resulting in a more conservative Republican Party and a more Liberal Democratic Party.
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Binder’s polling indicates the Open Primary, set for the June ballot, has wide support across the board right now. Democrats approve with 69%; Republicans 66%; DTS 67%.
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And Finally: California is in a governance mess. There is a movement to lower the two-thirds vote to pass taxes and modify or end term limits to clean things up. Across the country New York is in a governance mess. There is a movement to add a two-thirds vote to pass taxes and to create term limits to clean things up!