Drive For Discount Drugs— CALPIRG’s Emily Clayton toured the state with state Senator Liz Figueroa in support of Prop. 79. While the measure was defeated by an $80 million drug company advertising blitz, CALPIRG continues to push for affordable medicine in the Legislature.

Special Election Results: A CALPIRG Analysis
On Nov. 8, voters rejected every measure on the special election ballot. The results were in part a referendum on Gov. Schwarzenegger and on an election many felt was unneeded. Here’s a look at the results.

Energy policy:
Crisis Fails To Spur Re-Regulation
In 1996, CALPIRG opposed the energy deregulation law that led to the energy crisis. This year, we supported Prop. 80, a measure to undo deregulation and halt efforts by energy companies, the governor and others to continue pursuing deregulation. Prop. 80 was rejected by voters.

“To ensure affordable, reliable energy, we’ll continue to advocate an end to California’s disastrous energy deregulation experiment,” said Emily Rusch, CALPIRG’s consumer advocate.

Prescription drugs:
Goliath Beats David
CALPIRG joined labor, senior and consumer goups to support Prop. 79, a prescription drug measure which would have allowed the state to negotiate deep discounts for many uninsured and underinsured Californians. We opposed Prop. 78, the drug industry’s voluntary alternative, placed on the ballot to muddy the waters. Both measures were rejected.

The defeat of Prop. 79 is a reminder of the influence—$80 million worth of influence—that special interest money has on our elections. “While Goliath beat David in the fight over Prop. 79, we’re heartened by the fact that voters didn’t fall for the drug industry’s sham reforms in Prop. 78,” said Emily Clayton, CALPIRG’s health care advocate.

Fair Elections:
Right Message, Wrong Messenger
CALPIRG supported Prop. 77, an important, albeit imperfect, step toward fair district lines. The measure would have created an independent panel to draw districts, rather than allowing legislators to map their own political boundaries.

Gov. Schwarzenegger hit the right note in calling for fair districts, but he was the wrong messenger for skeptical Democrats. And Republican voters looking for guidance from party leaders didn’t get it; speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-IL) and former Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) opposed the measure.

Political Participation:
Choosing Not To Stifle Political Participation
CALPIRG opposed Prop. 75, the so-called paycheck protection measure. Much like how people engage in political issues through their environmental groups, gun clubs, civil rights and other groups, many Californians engage in politics through their labor unions. Prop 75 would have greatly curtailed this.

“This measure was an attack on political participation, and it did nothing to rein in big corporate cash,” said Steve Blackledge, CALPIRG’s legislative director. “We’re pleased that voters said no.”

Next Steps In The Legislature
Now that the election is over, the ball is back in the legislators’ court. “We hope they deal with redistricting, and early indications are positive,” said Blackledge. “Assembly Speaker Nuñez continues to talk about the need for fair districts.”

CALPIRG’s advocates will also urge legislators to enact laws to deliver safe, affordable prescription drug reforms.