According to a recent Field Poll in California, the GOP-driven initiative to split electoral votes among presidential candidates by congressional district has a substantial base of support. A staggering 47% of voters are inclined to support the measure, while only 35% tend to oppose it.
From the San Francisco Chronicle this morning: "California voters are inclined to support a proposed ballot initiative that would change how the Golden State allocates its electoral votes in presidential campaigns, but they're not yet sold on the idea, a Field Poll released today showed.
...The proponents of the California ballot measure, largely Republicans, say such a change would make presidential elections more fair by more accurately reflecting the results of the popular vote. However, Democrats have railed against the proposal by charging that the measure is a Republican-driven effort to keep Democrats from capturing the White House.
...The Field Poll found that 47 percent of registered voters back a change to California's system for electoral votes, with 35 percent opposed. Republicans generally support the change more than Democrats.
When pollsters explained the political implication that Democratic presidential candidates might lose some electoral votes under a proportional system, the numbers changed: 49 percent supported the change and 42 percent opposed it. Opposition from Democrats and independent voters rose when the issue was put this way.
...The poll of 536 registered voters taken Aug. 3-12 has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points..." Full story here: http://sfgate.com/...
The implication is that defeat of this proposal is something Democrats cannot take for granted and a major effort to defeat it is needed. At stake are some 20-odd electoral votes, more than are up for grabs in most states. The first real battle of the general election may take place in California's primary in June 2008.