FIELD POLL: MOST VOTERS SUPPORT DRUG REHAB PROPOSITION

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California voters have yet to focus on a Nov. 7 ballot
measure that would divert thousands of drug offenders to rehabilitation
programs, but more than half are inclined to support it, according to a new
Field Poll released Tuesday.

The drug treatment measure, Proposition 36, would require those convicted
of non-violent drug possession offenses for the first or second time be
sent to rehabilitation programs instead of state prison.

The Field Poll found 55 percent in favor of the measure and 27 percent
opposed with 18 percent undecided. The results reflect a drop in support
from the June survey, when 64 percent were in support, with 20 percent
opposed and 16 percent undecided.

Poll Director Mark DiCamillo suggested the nine-point drop was probably not
significant at this stage of the campaign, given that neither side has
begun television advertising. Both the new poll and the June survey had a
margin of error of plus or minus five percentage points.

"I tend to think at this stage it's essentially a measure that shows the
public instinctively likes the idea," DiCamillo said.

But DiCamillo acknowledged that there is "very low awareness" of the
measure, with only 13 percent saying they had seen or heard anything about
it. All poll respondents were read the official ballot description of the
measure.

Financed by philanthropist George Soros, the measure is backed by a variety
of left-leaning Democrats, including Rep. Maxine Waters of Los Angeles,
Senate President Pro Tem John Burton of San Francisco, and state Sen. John
Vasconcellos of San Jose. Supporters call the measure a "safe, smart
alternative to the failed drug war," because it would rehabilitate chronic
drug users and save the state money. The non-partisan legislative analyst
has estimated the state will see a net savings of about $200 million a year
with lower prison operation and parole supervision costs.

It is opposed by the powerful state prison guard's union as well as key law
enforcement lobbies and the state District Attorneys Association. They say
drug treatment doesn't work for everybody, and fear the measure will move
thousands onto the streets to commit more crimes.

The poll showed that Democrats support the measure by nearly a 3-1 margin,
62 percent to 21 percent, while Republicans were more divided, with 49
percent in favor and 35 percent opposed. Independents are in support by a
2-1 margin, 50 percent to 24 percent.

The poll, conducted by telephone Aug. 18-22, also found voters backing a
campaign finance measure, Proposition 34, by a two-to-one margin.

Only 28 percent were aware of Proposition 34 before hearing the ballot
description, but 50 percent said they would support the version of campaign
finance reform crafted by the state Legislature and Gov. Gray Davis.
Twenty-three percent were opposed, and 27 percent undecided.

Campaign reform activists have harshly criticized the measure as a
transparent attempt to nullify more stringent reforms contained in
Proposition 208, which is pending before a federal judge in Sacramento.

Among other things, Proposition 34 would generally limit an individual's
contribution to a legislative candidate to $3,000. The general limit would
be $5,000 for statewide offices and $20,000 for candidates running for
governor. The state has virtually no limits on campaign contributions now.

It also proposes new candidate disclosure requirements, other new campaign
finance rules, and voluntary spending limits for candidates. It also would
limit the amount a candidate could lend to his or her campaign to $100,000
and subject contribution transfers between candidates to the general
contribution limits in the measure.

Davis, who broke all records for fund raising in his first year in office
last year, would not be affected by the measure, because its provisions
would not kick in for statewide candidates until after he seeks his final
term as governor in 2002.

Contact Dan Smith of the Sacramento Bee Capitol Bureau in California at
http://www.sacbee.com.