Why don't Dems get social issues on the ballot that help turn out OUR base?

[Motown_Johnny]

The repugs pulled this with Gay Marriage just to turn out the social conservatives, and they voted for Shrub while they were there to vote on the social issue.



Aren't there equal and opposite issues that Progressives would turn out for in larger numbers to help tip the balance in some "battleground" states?


I would think that the latest ruling on gun ownership from SCOTUS would present some opportunities.


The trick would be to draft legislation (and get it on the ballot) which is so repulsive that the Left gets fired up about it while the Right doesn't really care enough to try and get it passed/defeated.




Any thoughts?


I live in Michigan and would hate to see it go to a McCain/Romney ticket. Maybe using a social issue to turn out some people that are not securely in the Obama camp could tip the balance back in our favor.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

1. There was a group trying to get universal health care on the ballot here in AZ.

They didn't get very far, unfortunately. The problem is that progressive ballot initiatives are truly grass roots efforts, so they are hampered in terms of fundraising. OTOH, the conservative measures are often "astroturf" affairs; heavily funded by think tanks and corporations. We're going to have an anti-affirmative action measure on the ballot this year, along with a gay marriage one. :(

[Motown_Johnny]

2. OK, You see my point but I should have phrased it better.

Why don't Democratic Organizations try to get social issues onto ballots that would help bolster turnout?

[crankychatter]

3. got a couple of million? referendums B expensive

edited to add I do think it's a wonderful idea

[Motown_Johnny]

4. Ummmm ... Pesos???

Hell.... Moveon shoud be able to do something, shouldn't they?