Prop 77 seems to be gaining some serious steam in the last few weeks. Common Cause endorsed it, as have the SF Chronicle and several other major newspapers.
More importantly to the progressive community, it looks like Kos now supports it as well.
I’m filling out my absentee ballot, and I’ve been trying to find a reason to vote no on 77, Arnold’s effort to create a non-partisan redistricting process in California. And I can’t think of any. I’m not sure why busting the current incumbent-protection racket would be a bad thing, why creating competitive districts and forcing incumbents to be more responsive to their constituents than the current 70-80 percent partisan districts require.
What are we good California Progressives to do? I must say that I support Ohio’s REform Ohio Now(RON), which isn’t really much different than Prop 77. In theory, if the districts are more fair, and more competitive, Dems will pick up seats. IMHO anyway. I support election reform in general and have to say that if I am to be consistent with my support of RON, I must support Prop. 77.
Wow, but I really hate to support any of Ahnold’s props. It’s a tough call, and one that I, and all of the state’s progressives must wrestle with.
I know there are other sides of this issue. Specifically, if we start seeding ground to the GOP on principle, it may be hard to win in actuality. Any ideas?