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Ballot Questions May Hinge On Obama Turnout

Gay marriage, marijuana, other issues on the line

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 31, 2008 4:58 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Barack Obama has a lot riding on his coattails. The impact of a presidential candidate's support on candidates for lower offices can be substantial, and this year's slates also include 153 ballot questions. Besides swinging gubernatorial and congressional races, measures concerning everything from gay marriage to gambling are up for a vote Tuesday. "The turnout of Obama voters could have an important impact on the propositions," a California pollster tells Bloomberg.

“There's a political landscape out there that's just tilted against Republicans,” said one analyst. The number of Democrats and independents has risen in California since 2004, for example, though some opponents of gay marriage say they think blacks who turn out for Obama may support the ban. “The outcome of this election is going to send shockwaves throughout the nation,” said one ban proponent. “We’re at a cultural crossroads in this country.”

Gerry Leone, Middlesex District Attorney, speaks at a news conference in Boston, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.
Gerry Leone, Middlesex District Attorney, speaks at a news conference in Boston, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Bizuayehu Tesafye)
Presidential candidates are seen listed on a ballot at a warehouse full of voting machines in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.
Presidential candidates are seen listed on a ballot at a warehouse full of voting machines in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Richie Beanan of LA puts a sign on a bus that will tour California in support of Proposition 8 on Oct. 20, 2008. Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
Richie Beanan of LA puts a sign on a bus that will tour California in support of Proposition 8 on Oct. 20, 2008. Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage.   (AP Photo/Steve Yeater)
Edith Juarez packages eggs for market at the Dwight Bell Farm in Atwater, Calif., Sept. 10, 2008. California's Proposition 2 would set standards for housing chickens and other farm animals.
Edith Juarez packages eggs for market at the Dwight Bell Farm in Atwater, Calif., Sept. 10, 2008. California's Proposition 2 would set standards for housing chickens and other farm animals.   (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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The Obama campaign has just done an incredible job in terms of voter registration. To the extent that he boosts turnout, that's to the benefit of other Democrats. - North Carolina pollster Dean Debnam

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Nov 1, 2008 7:35 AM CDT
The Obama ticket is the one. Maybe then we can have somone in the White House we can beleive. The past 8 years have been nothing but lies and more lies. Send the GOP back to where they came from.
NewserScooter
Nov 1, 2008 12:29 AM CDT
"The Obama campaign has just done an incredible job in terms of voter registration." Some are actually living people.
Shannonals
Oct 31, 2008 5:57 AM CDT
I expect a large turnout election day.

In solidly blue Mass., hottest race is over income tax
New York Times

Gap keeps narrowing on Calif. gay marriage ban
San Diego Union-Tribune

Confusion reigns over Prop 8
Los Angeles Times

A look at congressional districts that are likely to flip
Washington Post

 
Barack Obama • abortion • California • gay marriage • Election 2008 • young voters • ballot initiative

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