Among nonunion members, the proposition still leads, but more narrowly than before. Support for the measure is apparently being undercut by the lack of strong anti-labor sentiment among voters. Thirty-five percent said labor has the right amount of political influence. Opponents of the measure have counted on unified opposition by Latinos, but the poll showed that that has yet to occur. The level among likely Latino voters, however, remains lower, but Latinos still support the measure.
Most blacks also support the measure, though by a slightly smaller margin.
Thus, Californians are having difficulty making a decision. In the lieutenant governor's race, former Assembly Speaker Cruz Bustamante has bolted into the lead. In the race for controller, where the only major candidates for the Republican and Democratic nominations are virtually assured their nominations, the race is an early marker for the general election. The open seat of state treasurer is provoking a contest for the Republican nomination. But Proposition 227, which would dismantle bilingual education in California, continues to enjoy strong support.