SUPPORT FOR DRUG DIVERSION INITIATIVE STRONG BUT SLIPPING

The Field Poll

SACRAMENTO -- Support for a ballot measure that would divert drug users
from jail and prison into treatment is slipping, but the initiative still
has a strong lead, a new Field Poll shows.

The poll shows that Proposition 36, which would provide more money for
treatment for those convicted of drug use, is favored by 55 percent of
voters, with 27 percent opposed.

That is down from the June poll, which found that 64 percent favored the
initiative, while 20 percent opposed it.

The nonpartisan poll, released yesterday, also found support for
Proposition 34, a campaign contribution limit measure. Voters favor the
measure, 50 percent to 23 percent.

Proposition 34, which has been criticized by reform groups, was placed on
the ballot by the Legislature to trump a stricter measure, Proposition 208,
which has been blocked by the court pending resolution of a legal challenge.

The proposition would impose limits on contributions, ranging from $3,000
per election to a legislative candidate to $20,000 to a gubernatorial
candidate.

Mark DiCamillo, research director for The Field Poll, cautioned that most
people have not heard of either the drug treatment or campaign finance
initiative. The poll found that only 13 percent of likely voters were aware
of Proposition 36, while 28 percent said they knew something about
Proposition 34.

"This is almost a concept test based on the wording of the ballot label,"
DiCamillo said.

Proposition 36 would divert nonviolent parole violators and those convicted
of drug possession for the first and second time from jail to treatment.

Dave Fratello, spokesman for supporters of Proposition 36, said the poll
shows that the measure is popular.

"There's a real and palpable desire for a different approach to drugs," he
said.

But opponents said the slip in popularity shows that voters are beginning
to wake up to the dangers of the initiative.

"This isn't about treatment vs. incarceration; it's about effective
treatment vs. treatment that doesn't work," said Jean Munoz, spokeswoman
for the No on Proposition 36 campaign.

Both friends and foes of Proposition 36 have deep pockets, but neither side
has spent much on a campaign.

The poll was conducted among 416 likely voters from Aug. 18 through Aug.
22. It has a margin of error of 5 points.