Democrats have longed for a two-thirds supermajority to pass new taxes and fees. Most analysts don't think they'll reach that margin in the Assembly, but they think Democrats have a shot in the Senate. Still, Senate Republican Leader Bob Dutton insists that's not the reason behind the GOP referendum.
Dutton: "To me, it's not really a relevant issue here. What's relevant is, was the process free of political influence? Was it done in an appropriate fashion so the people can have confidence?
But Democratic Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg says he thinks the referendum is all about the supermajority.
Steinberg: "It was mostly folks from the other side of the aisle who clamored the loudest for taking it outside the legislature. Well, you live with the results."
And Steinberg says he'll look for every opportunity to reach the two-thirds threshold.
