Ethan Penner on Prop 50 Independent gubernatorial candidate Ethan Penner today called on Californians to vote NO on Proposition 50, condemning it as a dangerous and cynical attempt by entrenched politicians to tighten their hold on power.

“Prop 50 is a desperate power grab by career politicians on the Democratic side who are trying to manipulate the system to permanently remain in control,” said Penner. “It’s a direct threat to our democracy. Prop 50 would eliminate the people’s right to decide which leaders and which party best serve their interests. Prop 50 undermines that fundamental right of the people’s power to choose. It must be rejected.”

Penner continued:

“Prop 50 is a blatant attempt by the party in power to manipulate California’s congressional map and entrench its dominance. Today, Democrats already hold 43 of the state’s 52 seats — roughly 83 percent — despite representing only 45 percent of registered voters. Fair representation would allocate closer to 33 seats, not 43. Instead of allowing the people to address this imbalance, Prop 50 seeks to deepen it, redrawing the lines to cement one-party rule and deny millions of Californians genuine representation. It is wrong, undemocratic, and precisely the kind of political abuse voters are ready to end.” This aim to redraw lines to exacerbate this injustice is absurd and wrong. ”

“Prop 50 is being sold as a response to redistricting in Texas, but as our parents taught us, two wrongs don’t make a right. California must always be proud of who we are, a state that values fairness, integrity, and trust in our institutions. Prop 50 violates those very principles. If Texas chooses to go low, that’s their problem. California must set the higher standard. In the end the wheels of justice may grind slowly but they grind true.”