Term initiative bid threatened -- Verified-signature count for ballot run appears low.

Sacramento Bee ^ | 8/31/7 | Judy Lin

[SmithL]

A low percentage of qualified signatures in Los Angeles County is threatening to derail a lawmaker-driven initiative that would change term limits and extend the tenure of Democratic leaders.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Conny McCormack on Thursday said the percentage of signatures verified for the "Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office" constitutional amendment hovered at 63.85 percent in a random-sample count of the state's most populous county.

Initiative backers needed at least 66 percent verification from all outstanding signatures Thursday afternoon in order to meet a Sept. 27 deadline to qualify for the February primary. And because Los Angeles accounted for the bulk of the signatures yet to be counted, an opponent believes the petition is in doubt.

"I'm not sure if their incompetence is a justification for laughter or tears," said Kevin Spillane, a GOP strategist leading the fight against the term-limits initiative. "If anything, it's a question mark. It's not what anyone would have expected."

Proponents denied the petition was in jeopardy even though Los Angeles County's verified-signature count this week has been as low as 59 percent.

"As far as we're concerned, there's no real problem because not all the counties have been counted," said Richard Stapler, a spokesman for the term-limits initiative. "The numbers go up and down day in, day out."

Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez is supporting the drive to put a term-limit initiative on the Feb. 5 ballot. The effort is being led by two political strategists -- Gale Kaufman, Núñez's Democratic consultant, and GOP consultant Matthew Dowd, who has worked on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaigns.

[SmithL]

FABIAN NÚÑEZ The Assembly speaker is backing the term-limits measure, but it must get enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

[Haddit]

When over half the people are illegal aliens, it is kinda hard to find valid signatures

[edcoil]

Actually we all discussed it among ourselves and decided we did not want it so are not signing it to keep it off the ballot and not allow it.

[Hazcat]

"Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office"

As usual the politicians are misleading the populace. This EXPANDS the possible length of service over what is now allowed!

Under the initiative, legislators would be allowed to serve a total of 12 years in the Legislature under one house. Currently, members can serve up to 14 years but are limited to six years in the Assembly and eight years in the Senate.

[goldstategop]

Hey Fabian - the LAST thing Californians want is to give YOU and Don Perata MORE time in office. You've been around too long for the good of state. Be gone!

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

Jerry Brown wrote the title. They must think the voters are stupid. This measure would do the EXACT OPPOSITE of what the title says.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus