Want to know which moneyed interests are lining up to influence the November ballot in California? We're delighted to announce the launch of our new MapLight Voter's Edge website, the go-to source for information about ballot measures in the state of California.
MapLight Voter's Edge will build on the success of our guide to the June ballot measures, which was cited in over 500 news stories, reaching 15 million people. A few highlights:
- Associated Press: In California, It's Big Tobacco vs Lance Armstrong
"'The supporters and opponents wouldn't spend these millions of dollars if these commercials weren't persuading voters,' said Daniel Newman, president of MapLight, a nonpartisan group that analyzes money's role in politics. 'When one side has a specific financial interest, they are going to spend much more because they get such a high return on investment.'"
- Bloomberg News: California Tobacco Tax Pits Lance Armstrong Versus Altria
"Altria, through its subsidiary companies Philip Morris USA, John Middleton Co. and U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, has given a combined $27.3 million to defeat Proposition 29, according to campaign data compiled by MapLight, a nonpartisan research organization based in Berkeley that tracks campaign donations."
- CNN: Cigarette Showdown as Californians Vote on Tax
"The opposition in California has been fueled by a huge influx of cash from big tobacco. About $47 million has been raised in efforts – including TV advertising – to defeat 'Prop. 29,' including $27.5 million from Philip Morris and $11 million from R.J. Reynolds, according to figures from MapLight, a nonpartisan research firm."
- Los Angeles Times: Proposition 29 and the Contributions of Political Campaigns
"The two biggest contributors to campaign for 29, according to MapLight's voter guide, are the American Cancer Society and the foundation started by bicyclist Lance Armstrong, a cancer survivor, with the two giving about $1.5 million each. Overall, the pro-campaign has raised $4.5 million."
- Reuters: California Voters Reject Raising Tobacco Tax
"The two sides raised over $59 million for the campaign, with proponents raising over $12 million of that, according to MapLight."
- KGO-TV (ABC-SF): MapLight Launching New Online Voter Guide
"Now, MapLight is launching this guide to help California voters sort out who is for and who is against the various propositions that make their way onto the ballot."
- New York Times: A $1 Cigarette Tax Starts a $47 Million Brawl in California
- Wall Street Journal: Ad Blitz Ahead of California Vote on Cigarette Tax
Be an informed voter this November – stay on top of all the latest developments surrounding California ballot measures at MapLight Voter's Edge!
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