Referenda Lessons
by David Wiesner

Although many Republican seats were lost this election cycle, there were several conservative-leaning ballot initiative victories. These state-level successes hold some promise for conservatives. The initiatives that passed around the country indicate a sense of voter skepticism regarding government intervention and a desire to leave as much as possible to private initiative.

Marriage and property issues were the predominant initiatives in 2006.

Eight states narrowed the effects of the Supreme Court decision to use the government power of eminent domain to take private property by limiting the state's power to take private property. Although there were set-backs on this when contrasted against environmental concerns and votes supporting higher minimum wages that will put people out of work, the victories on eminent domain are big steps forward for property rights and limited government.

The standard definition of marriage passed by healthy margins in 7 out of 8 states.  Until courts and legislatures began overturning laws, marriage had stood the test of time through varying forms of government and changes in religion.

States across the nation also took a stand the following issues:

• California voted down Proposition 87, an initiative would have increased taxes for California oil producers to provide for renewable energy research.
• California also voted down overwhelmingly the elimination of private campaign contributions.
• Michigan voted to end government-mandated affirmative action that forced private entities to follow regulations based on race and ethnicity.
• South Dakota voted down a law to regulate abortions.
• Arizona voted to make English the official language, undoing years of government mandated multilingualism.

There are several other examples like this. What it shows is that the basic instinct of Americans is still in favor of limited government. I don't agree with all of that, because I am firmly in the camp of government intervention into private affairs on certain matters, especially state governments on matters of health and welfare (such as marriage, which helps regulate procreation and childrearing). 

The American people voted against the leadership of Congress because they expected the majority to be principled and accomplish great things, but instead Republicans have increased their levels of spending and stalled on issues like immigration.

Limited government can moderate the tendency of both Republicans and Democrats to increase government spending and meddling in lives of private citizens.  If the GOP wants to regain power, it really should take a look at the ballot initiative results as its guide.