Advertisements Making the Difference With Food Labeling and Gaming

Two Colorado ballot issues are headed to defeat because the negative advertisements have convinced voters they’re bad ideas. Another one is just a perennial loser.

The agricultural community’s stomp on food labeling is especially impressive. Former Agricultural Commissioner Don Ament, the head of the Farm Bureau, and others have effectively persuaded Coloradans that labeling genetically modified food is a bad idea. It’s now losing 49 percent to 30 percent after leading nearly 2-to-1 in mid-September (52% yes to 27% no). The food industry spent about $15 million compared to less than $1 million by the proponents.

Not surprising, gaming is losing, but now by 3-to-1. When will the out-of-state gaming interests realize that the public has a low tolerance of more gaming and the current gaming cartel has no intention of allowing it to happen? We don’t even like Rhode Island. Very big money in this issue is good for consultants and TV stations.

Personhood expires again, but is getting about a third of the vote, which is more than usual. Even in a better year for the issue, it’s a loser.

The open meetings proposal is winning. The Independence Institute finally wins one 3-to-1.