Dozens of initiatives seek ballot spot

By Andrew Garber
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

	Stuart Elway
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But in an unusually busy election season in Washington, initiative backers face intense competition for advertising space and public attention that could make it even tougher than usual to win voter approval.

Among the proposals are measures that would ban smoking in public places, increase the state sales tax by a penny on the dollar to raise $1 billion a year for education, and allow electronic slot machines outside of tribal casinos.

Initiatives in the works Here's a look at some of the initiatives that could be on the November ballot: • I-890: Sponsored by a coalition of consumer and health-care groups, it would ban smoking in all public places. Its political-action committee (PAC) is Breathe Easy Washington. It hasn't recorded any contributions with the state, but the group has hired a signature-gathering firm. • I-864: A Tim Eyman measure, it would cut some local property taxes by 25 percent. Its PAC is Voters Want More Choices. A signature-gathering firm has been hired, and $135,387 has been raised. • I-872: The Washington State Grange initiative would install a Louisiana-style primary-election system also known as the "Top Two." The system would let voters cast ballots for any candidate, regardless of party, with the top two finishers advancing to the general election. Its PAC: Citizens Preserving Voter Choice. No contributions have been recorded with the state. The group says it will hire paid signature gatherers if needed. • I-884: The League of Education Voters initiative would increase the state sales tax by a penny on the dollar to raise $1 billion a year for education programs from preschool to college. Its PAC: Citizens for the Education Trust Fund. It has raised $135,775, and organizers say they'll hire paid signature gatherers if needed. • I-892: Another Eyman initiative calls for allowing electronic slot machines outside of tribal casinos, taxing the proceeds and using the money to reduce state property taxes. PAC: Just Treat Us the Same. It has hired a signature-gathering firm and raised $158,500. • I-883: An initiative backed by Bellevue Square owner and freeway booster Kemper Freeman Jr. The measure would open commuter lanes on freeways to all traffic except during weekday peak hours. It also would earmark part of the state's existing gas taxes and sales tax on new and used vehicles to raise up to $10 billion to build more general-purpose freeway and highway lanes. PAC: Let's Get Moving Washington. It plans to use paid signature gatherers and has raised more than $160,000. • I-895: This initiative would allow insurance companies to offer health-care plans that are free of state coverage mandates. Supporters of the measure argue the mandates drive up the cost of health insurance, putting it out of reach for many small businesses. PAC: Small Business for Affordable Health Care. No contributions recorded with the state. • I-297: It aims at stopping the federal government from using the state as a radioactive-waste repository until old wastes have been cleaned up. This was an initiative to the Legislature. When lawmakers declined to act on the measure, the initiative was automatically placed on the November ballot.

At least six campaigns either have hired paid signature-gathering firms or say they'll have the money to do so if needed. Paid signature gatherers are usually needed to get initiatives on the ballot. Initiative organizers have to collect 197,734 valid signatures by July 2.

However, a ballot crowded with measures and high-profile races — including those for president, governor and Congress — makes it harder, analysts say, for initiative backers to get their message across to voters.

"You have to make the case to get a yes vote," said Stuart Elway, a Seattle pollster who tracks ballot measures. With all the other campaign money pouring in, initiative advertisements will get on television "right after David Letterman goes off the air," he said.

Todd Donovan, a political-science professor at Western Washington University, agreed: "When in doubt, they vote 'no.' We also know when there's more stuff on the ballot, they are going to vote 'no' more often. So one effect of a crowded ballot and less information could be more 'no' voting."

Sherry Bockwinkel, who runs a paid signature-gathering firm, has advised clients to skip this election if they can.

"If you're smart, you don't put them up in a presidential-election year," she said. "When I'm consulting clients, I say, 'Don't do it this year. Your ad rates are going to kill you, and if you can get any airtime, you'll be lucky.' "

So far, no one has taken that advice, she said.

Some campaigns have set goals of raising more than $1 million to see them through the election. Tim Eyman, the state's most prolific initiative backer, said his goal is to raise "as much as is humanly possible."

He's promoting two initiatives, which lead the pack in contributions, raising almost $300,000 combined, according to the most recent state Public Disclosure Commission records.

Andrew Garber: 360-943-9882 or agarber@seattletimes.com

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