Rescue California

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Dan Walters: Poll contains unleavened bad news for Davis, tax advocates

July 15, 2003

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Brulte, are trying to reach agreement on a scheme that would, through a complicated series of tax swaps, finance a multiyear deficit bond issue without raising any new net revenues. It would require additional spending cuts and/or bookkeeping maneuvers that most Democrats, especially those in the Assembly, oppose.

While Davis probably would accept a tax swap deal to put the budget behind him, at least until after the recall election, it would represent a major tactical victory for Republicans and a clear defeat for the Democratic advocates of new taxes. But the Field Poll indicates that Californians are so soured on their political leaders that they simply don't trust those who say that taxes are needed to solve the budget crisis.

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About the Writer ---------------------------

The Bee's Dan Walters can be reached at (916) 321-1195 or dwalters@sacbee.com.

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