California Indian tribes, whose campaign for Proposition 5 was the costliest single-issue contest in U.S. political history, hit the jackpot Tuesday with a decisive victory for their casino gambling initiative.
Voters rejected another measure that was the subject of an expensive advertising campaign, Proposition 9, which called for an electricity rate cutback and an end to nuclear power subsidies. Utility firms spent more than $40 million to defeat the measure. The fate of a third high-profile initiative, Proposition 10, which sought a 50-cents-per-pack cigarette surtax, was undecided late into the night.
Proposition 1A, a $9.2-billion school construction and repair bond issue, won handily, but Proposition 8, which called for permanent class size reductions in the primary grades and the creation of a statewide schools inspector, was defeated.
Two measures dealing with animal welfare--Proposition 4, to ban the use of certain kinds of animal traps and poisons, and Proposition 6, to prohibit the sale of horse meat for human consumption, were leading comfortably.
Proposition 7, which would have rewarded diesel pollution cutbacks with tax credits, and Proposition 3, which would have limited the state's presidential primary to party-registered voters, were headed for defeat.
With California voters apparently wanting to cling to blanket primaries, the state's preferences for presidents might instead have to be decided by closed party caucuses or party conventions.
The strong level of voter support for the Indian gaming measure--which would allow the expansion of reservation gambling across California without the state's approval--pleased the tribes' campaign strategists.
"The public has spoken with an overwhelming voice and they're saying, 'Leave the Indians alone,' " said Paul Mandabach, lead consultant to the Yes on 5 campaign.
"Today the people of California have created a true Indian Thanksgiving," added Dan Tucker, a member of the Sycuan tribe in San Diego and president of the California Nations Indian Gaming Assn.
Buoyed by the results, leaders of the Agua Caliente tribe in Palm Springs said they would ask Gov. Pete Wilson today to implement the measure, which allows Indians to maintain and expand the kinds of casinos they have been operating for years without the state's blessing.
If Proposition 5 is upheld in court, observers predict that the Palm Springs area--home to four Indian casinos--may ultimately develop as the closest thing California has to a Las Vegas.
