California - Break up State; Gas Tax Repeal

In addition to a Governor and Senate race on the statewide ballot this year, liberals and conservatives qualified some key initiatives, two of which Survey USA tested (6/26-27; 559 CA likely general election voters) this week.  With the idea of expanding the state’s standing in the US Senate, adding electoral votes, and breaking up the “monopoly” state government as venture capitalist Tim Draper, who conceived of the California Three States Initiative, described it, the current Golden State territory would become three new entities, California, Northern California, and Southern California.  According to S-USA, only 13% of those surveyed would support this initiative versus 75% who oppose.

The more serious proposal is Republican-led, and would repeal the new 12-cent per gallon gas tax.  Repeal support might grow even more once the summer surcharge of an additional 11 cents per gallon takes effect.  The surcharge remains in effect until December, and would reappear in succeeding summers.  Republicans wanted this initiative not only to repeal what they believe is an onerous tax that is taking the price of a gallon of regular gasoline to $4.00 and above, but also to drive turnout for their down ballot candidates.  Right now, the repeal initiative is popular.  According to the Survey USA data, by a margin of 46-33%, the voters would support eliminating the tax.