Preschool ballot measure leads early [Meathead's Nanny-State Measure]

Sacramento Bee ^ | 3/7/6 | Laura Mecoy

[SmithL]

Survey also finds Feinstein with double the support of her Republican challenger.

Most Californians haven't heard about the universal preschool initiative on the June ballot, but more than half of likely voters say they're inclined to support it, according to a Field Poll released Monday.

The survey of 507 likely voters found just 35 percent had heard of Proposition 82, the measure that would tax upper-income Californians to provide preschool for all the state's 4-year-olds.

Once told of the measure's provisions, 55 percent of likely voters said they supported it, while 34 percent opposed it and 11 percent were undecided.

Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said voters at this point like the idea of providing preschool. But he expects the gap to narrow as more become aware of the measure's provisions.

"If you look at the history of the Field Poll on proposition elections, if the measure starts out ahead with a significant lead, only about half of them get approved by voters," he said. "So at this point, it has a 50-50 chance."

The poll conducted last month also found U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., is leading her Republican challenger, former state Sen. Richard Mountjoy, by a 2-1 ratio, 56 percent to 28 percent among likely voters.

Feinstein is running for her third full term in office, while Mountjoy just recently entered the race.

In addition, the survey found U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer's approval rating among all 680 registered voters in the poll dropped to 41 percent, its lowest point in a Field Poll since 1997. DiCamillo said the Democrat's popularity has declined since she has taken a more partisan stance against President Bush.

[Rummyfan]

Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said voters at this point like the idea of providing preschool. But he expects the gap to narrow as more become aware of the measure's provisions.

Sure, and I like the idea of the government providing everyone a Beemer too, but who's going to pay for it?

[montag813]

Sure, and I like the idea of the government providing everyone a Beemer too, but who's going to pay for it?

"The Rich" will pay!!! Beemers for the poor!

[L98Fiero]

Taxpayer funded daycare. Lovely.

[Rummyfan]

That's certainly Meathead's attitude!

[goldstategop]

In voters' minds, Rob Reiner pays! The irony is delicious.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[DM1]

[kpbruinfan]

Yet another reason to homeschool. Let's indoctrinate our kids younger and younger that parents are their enemy and the government will look out for you. Awfully Orwellian...

[L98Fiero]

My thoughts as well.

[jazusamo]

If the Meathead and the whole movement is being investigated will they go ahead with the measure on the ballot? It seems if taxpayer funds were used improperly to promote the measure, they'd have to start over.

[Beagle8U]

I thought this bill was to be funded by a new tax on cigarettes?

[jazusamo]

I believe it's supposed to be financed with a 50 cent a pack cigarette tax.

[seenenuf]

Very "Rich people" will be said to pay for it. I'm not rich, but do care about kids not being taught to sing:
"Look for the Union label.. at any age. A four year olds' enviromental training should be protected by the family. The Teachers union is keen on this, as bill would require certified teachers and helpers to run these indoctrination centers. Parents who think they will get 3 or 4 hours of free baby sitting may vote their pocket purse, in favor of warehousing their kids. And that's only the tip of the berg. Fight against this.

[seenenuf]

The 50 cent tax is old stuff, passed years ago to fund
'health care' for some. Now we know that millions from
that pot have been used to proceed with the current
proposal - illegally,, and Mr. Meathead has some 'splaning
to do to the state elections people. Of course the lamestream will not report on that.

[Beagle8U]

Thats hardly a "tax the rich" plan that is being advertised.

[jazusamo]

I'm only interested because I was raised in CA and lived there till I was 40. I'd still like to see Meathead be brought down , what a turkey.

[newzjunkey]

finds Feinstein with double the support of her Republican challenger

I was wondering who that was? Am I to believe no one but the elderly Dick Mountjoy is going to run against Dianne? Of course she'll win easily but why bother running anyone at all?

The tide can be turned on the "meathead" proposal.

[jazusamo]

Post #14 says that was the original, I guess it's changed.

[Beagle8U]

"Post #14 says that was the original, I guess it's changed."

There was another thread on this awhile back, and I'm sure that cigarette taxes are to be the main funding source for this.

It said that if this passes that smokes in Calif. would be $10 a pack.

I may be wrong, but I don't think so.

[Inwoodian]

I believe it was Ben Franklin who said that the day that citizens are able to vote themselves monetary benefit at the expense of other citizens the Republic is doomed. We have long passed that day and this is another nail in the coffin.