The Morning After

Reactions to the results of the May 19, 2009 Election

With the special election ballot propositions resulting in a resounding NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, and YES, the discussion moves toward the always important question of: What now?

Here are some responding voices:

The Sacramento Bee begins by concurring, “You did it! Uh, so what now?” as the San Francisco Chronicle notes that the electorate strikes back. The San Jose Mercury news confirms that the ballot measures [are] soundly defeated, and the Los Angeles Times ponders, “A California election left open to interpretation.” Still, the San Diego Union-Tribune is demanding change.

And others? Capitol Notes’ John Myers is calling it a special delivery from voters x 5, while KQED California Report’s Michael Krasny too grabs analysis and response after the special election. More specifically, CFT’s Marty Hittelman thinks the two-thirds vote must go, and Robin Swanson of the Education Coalition states, “Closing the budget gap shouldn’t harm education.” Meanwhile, columnists rage on. Phil Angelides exclaims, “Voters don’t want dire cuts; they want leaders to get it right.” Jason Clemens states boldly,”State voters signal loud and clear: Down with taxes.” Dan Walters reports that angry voters whack budget, politicians, and James P. Sweeney warns that big, looming cuts fail to persuade ‘distrustful’ voters. Daniel Weintraub reminds us that the Capitol has few choices, all of them ugly, while Michael Finnegan critiques, “California voters exercise their power - and that’s the problem.” Joe Matthews champions his vote for more votes in California. Lamenting, Jon Healey is still waiting for an alternative.