| Governor releases poll showing measures would fail if all three on ballot
by Brian Leubitz
Of course, the question then becomes which measure you actually put on the ballot. Brown's poll has some interesting figures on that:
Both Brown's temporary tax hike -- a half-cent rise in the sales tax coupled with increased levies on higher earners -- and a proposed tax increase on millionaires sponsored by some unions score more than 50% on the poll. Brown's measure is at 53% while the millionaire's tax polls at 55%, according to a statement from Sacramento-based pollster Jim Moore.
The third proposed tax hike, an across-the-board income tax hike to fund public education pushed by civil rights attorney Molly Munger, lags with only 31% support.
But if all three appear on the ballot, the release states, none cross the 50% threshold. Brown's wins 43% support, the millionaire's tax 42% and the income tax 17%. (LA Times)
Munger seems not to be interested in backing off, despite what poll after poll shows: her measure really can't pass. And, really, it should be no surprise. It increases tax increase for everybody making any amount over about $7750. That really isn't going to fly with any electorate really.
Now, as to the question between Brown's measure and the millionaire's tax, the issues become closer. Both sides seem intent on their own measures making it on the ballot. While Brown's has considerably more resources to get on the ballot, there is still a strong chance of both making it. Unless somebody backs off, we stand a chance of seeing all three measures on the ballot.
For reasons of confusion and principle, having three on the ballot makes it even tougher to get one through to 50%. And at this point, I'm not sure the little discussion through the media is really working. |
