Nurses launch 'mobile phone banks'

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Oct 26, 2006 | by Josh Richman

OAKLAND -- The California Nurses Association launched a fleet of buses as "mobile phone banks" Wednesday to drum up support for Proposition 89, the union's "clean money" public campaign finance measure.

CNA communications director Chuck Idelson said the six buses, emblazoned with "Yes on 89" logos, will prowl the state through Election Day, visiting more than 100 hospitals -- where nurses can come out on their breaks to make calls to voters and other public venues.

The union also Wednesday launched a 60-second radio advertisement excerpting the "About Time for 89" song written and performed by CNA webmaster Colette Washington.

"We're optimistic," Idelson said Wednesday, noting that despite corporations with $2.8 trillion in assets arrayed against the measure, "this campaign is going well, voters are very receptive to our message."

Meanwhile, the measure's opponents launched two new television ads Monday. One says the measure "was written by the special interests" and "would stick us with $200 million in new taxes, creating a campaign slush fund for politicians to use as they see fit. ... It is like welfare for politicians." The other ad is similarly worded.

Modeled on systems in Maine, Connecticut and Arizona, Proposition 89 would raise the corporate tax rate by 0.2 percent -- to a level still below what it was from 1980 to 1996 -- to

bankroll campaigns for candi-dates who reject private fundraising and limit spending to the public dollars provided; show public support by gathering signatures and some $5 qualifying donations; and take part in debates.

The state League of Women Voters, California Common Cause, the California Public Interest Research Group, the Service Employees International Union, the Teamsters and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides support the measure.

Taxpayer groups, business groups, the California Teachers Association, some other unions and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger oppose it.

Contact Josh Richman at jrichman@angnewspapers.com.