PROPOSITION 10: Passage Still Too Close To Call

      With 100% of precincts reporting to the state Secretary of State, the passage of Proposition 10 yesterday recorded a "small 0.18% margin," according to the San Francisco Chronicle. However, it is still unclear whether the measure will pass because absentee ballots have to be counted, which could take "at least two days" (Russell/Howe, 11/5). The AP/San Diego Union-Tribune reports that at that time the measure, which would raise the price of cigarette packs by 50 cents and use the revenue to fund early intervention programs for children, "was leading 3,550,483 to 3,537,278 -- a mere 13,205-vote difference." No On 10 campaign spokesperson Matt Taggart said, "Everybody seems to have paid very close attention to Proposition 10 and we remain optimistic" (11/5). The Sacramento Bee reports that counties have 29 days to count 800,000 absentee and provisional ballots. "It's too premature to give any speeches, I think," Taggart said. Jennifer Morgan, Yes On 10 spokesperson, said, "We are optimistic that we will ultimately prevail, but we will not declare victory until all the returns from the secretary of state's office are counted." Craig Holman, project director for the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles, said, "It looks like Proposition 10 might just squeak by even though it was outspent three to one. The tobacco industry has a very bad reputation" (Vellinga, 11/5).