California Democratic Party spokesman Brian Brokaw shares his party's efforts on Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the state, and the top of the ticket's effect on state propositions.
How have the Democrats prepared for Tuesday, and Proposition 8?
No on 8 has been a top priority for the California Democratic Party long before it was even called Prop., 8. We were out there in the very beginning in opposition to it, and spent a lot of money during the Decline to Sign effort when we were trying to get people to deny to sign the petition to get onto the ballot. Ever since it was placed on the ballot, we immediately took a "No" position, which is obviously an important endorsement in such a solid Democratic state. We've contributed a substantial amount of not only financial resources but also time and field resources. Our party has a field program of about 85 full-time staff and more than 5,000 volunteers throughout the state, so whether it's through mail or phone outreach or knocking on doors, we've made contact with millions of voters, urging a No on 8 vote. Again, as a proposition, it is our top priority to defeat Prop. 8.
Do you think that people coming out to the polls for Barack Obama won't necessarily vote on the down-ticket issues?
There's always a worry that the issues lower on the ballot would be impacted when there's such a high-profile race at the top of the ticket, however, Prop. 8 has without a doubt been the most visible of all the propositions, and I think on both sides people are very passionate on this issue. We're encouraged because it shows that Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed to Proposition 8, so we are very hopeful that people won't just come out to support the Obama-Biden ticket. Of course we want them to do that, but we want to make sure they defeat this initiative as well.
As far as reporting voting problems, like being turned away from the polls, what can voters do?
The California Democratic Party has a voter protection program. We're asking voters to call if they have any questions at all or witness any suspicious activity -- we're directing them to call the voter protection hotline at 877-321-VOTE. (Michelle Garcia)
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