Representing 20% of the state's electorate, Independents are the only growing bloc of voters in California. According to the latest poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), Independents could serve as a key indicator for next year's mid-term elections. Here are some of the pertinent highlights on several, critical statewide and national issues:
Top issues for 2010-
52% believe the Top Two Open Primary is an important issue; 47% of Republicans and 47% of Democrats agree
31% believe legalizing marijuana is an important issue; 39% of Republicans and 39% of Democrats concur
28% are in favor of calling a constitutional convention; 36% of Republicans and 35% of Democrats are in favor
54% support lowering the budget threshold to a simple majority instead of a 2/3 supermajority; 52% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats support
40% support same-sex marriage; 52% of Republicans and 52% of Democrats agree
32% support public funding for statewide campaigns; 29% of Republicans and 37% of Democrats support
Gubernatorial requirements & Campaign finance-
50% state that running a business is the most important qualifier for a gubernatorial candidate; 60% of Republicans and 26% of Democrats concur
32% believe previous experience in political experience is most important; 27% of Republicans and 60% of Democrats agree
50% look more favorably upon candidates who rely on campaign donations from supporters; 55% of Republicans and 46% of Democrats view favorably
29% look more favorably upon self-financing for campaigns; 38% of Republicans and 42% of Democrats agree
2010 candidates/potential candidates-
29% are satisfied with their choice of candidates for next year's June primary; 25% of Republicans and 38% of Democrats are satisfied
23% don't know enough about Jerry Brown to form an opinion; 21% of Republicans and 29% of Democrats share the same view
63% state that they do not know enough about Tom Campbell to form an opinion; 58% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats agree
56% state they do not know enough about Steve Poizner to form an opinion; 64% of Republicans and 63% of Democrats concur
44% state they do not know enough about Meg Whitman to form an opinion; 51% of Republicans and 50% of Democrats agree
Schwarzenegger & the state legislature-
54% disapprove of Arnold; 50% of Republicans and 68% of Democrats disapprove
76% disapprove of the legislature's performance; 80% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats disapprove
California & the US overall directions-
77% believe California is headed in the wrong direction; 82% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats agree
39% believe the US is headed in the right direction; 19% of Republicans and 56% of Democrats concur
California economy-
63% believe the next 12 months will be financially difficult; 75% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats agree
58% believe the state is mired in a serious recession; 61% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats hold the same view
45% believe mainly spending cuts should be enacted to plug the budget deficit; 58% of Republicans and 26% of Democrats concur
6% believe mainly tax increases should be enacted to plug the deficit; 3% of Republicans and 13% of Democrats agree
36% believe a mix of spending cuts and tax increases should be enacted to plug the deficit; 32% of Republicans and 48% of Democrats agree
$11.1 billion water bond-
36% feel that it is very important voters pass the bond; 37% of Republicans and 52% of Democrats share the same view
President Obama & Congress-
56% approve of Obama's performance; 25% of Republicans and 82% of Democrats approve
33% believe Obama's economic policies have improved the country; 9% of Republicans and 43% of Democrats agree
37% approve of Congress's performance; 18% of Republicans and 46% of Democrats approve
Healthcare reform-
48% approve of reform proposals set forth by Obama and Congress; 18% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats approve
62% support the public option; 30% of Republicans and 77% of Democrats support
Afghanistan-
4% feel the war is going very well; 4% of Republicans and 7% of Democrats concur
32% support Obama's decision for a second troop surge; 54% of Republicans and 29% of Democrats support
As voter discontent over the Republican and Democratic parties continues to grow, Independents will play a pivotal role in the 2010 and 2012 elections, both in California and across the nation. Perhaps we are entering the "Era of the Independent", an era that may end up reshaping America for years to come.