The No on Proposition 26 (Prop 26) coalition revealed that 'every major' newspaper in California has resoundingly rejected Prop 26, each of which released comments on the proposed legislation.
Proposition 26 is a gambling measure sponsored by special-interest tribal casinos that threatens local governments across California.
The newspapers that oppose Prop 26 are the Los Angeles Times, East Bay Times, Fresno Bee, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Lake County Record, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Los Angeles Daily News, Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, Orange County Register along with Pasadena Star News.
The LA Times said: "The measure amounts to a toxic brew of industry interests designed not only to enrich the funders but also to push away their competitors. If California ever decides to embrace sports betting, it should be with a framework that is as evenhanded as possible, and not one that so blatantly picks winners and losers."
Other publications include the Redlands Daily Facts, Riverside Press-Enterprise, Sacramento Bee, San Bernardino Sun, San Diego Union-Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, San Luis Obispo Tribune, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Torrance Daily Breeze and Whittier Daily News.
The San Diego Union-Tribune added: "Advocates have no good explanation for why the measure includes a hugely self-serving proviso that makes it easier for tribes to sue and punish rival card-room operators. And they barely respond to criticism the measure would prop up racetracks at a time when concerns about their treatment of horses have never been more intense."
The San Jose Mercury News & East Bay Times publication commented: "It’s all about greed. California’s tribes have split their support between the two measures depending on which one they expect would provide the biggest payoff. Horserace tracks are similarly trying to fatten their profits."
