The pattern is pretty clear in the balloting on California's dueling eminent domain initiatives. Proposition 98, the far-ranging measure backed by landlords who want to put an end to rent control, is losing big time. Proposition 99, the less radical measure supported by local and state governments and environmentalists, is winning by an even bigger margin.
With 17% of the votes counted statewide, Proposition 98 is going down by a margin of 55% to 45%. Proposition 99 is getting 65% of the vote.
The vote on the two measures by county shows a predictable split between more conservative inland counties and the more liberal coastal areas. Check out the maps from the secretary of state's office:
For Proposition 98
For Proposition 99
UPDATE: The Associated Press says the results are determined: Proposition 98 is a loser, Proposition 99 wins big.
A winning of prop 98 would have established a bad European import in California. Most of European land lord parties and associations are right wing and politically powerful. Since the End of World War II they have been reinforced by the American import laissez-fair. (French in name only, but American capitalism at its worst.)
Most European communities have abondened renters' protection laws and rent control. There is not enough municipal housing to fill the great need for affordable housing. Multitudes are forced to pay usurious rent for an inadequate roof over the head.
Judging by the 0 response to the Russ Minick item, it is quite obvious that that many voters had no idea what they were in for with a passage of of prop 98. There should not have been enough signatures to even get it on the ballot. But God protects children and etc. etc.