In the Berkeley poll, 58 percent of those considering leaving California said that high taxes were one reason—second only to the 71 percent pointing to the state’s astronomical housing costs. Also high on the list of reasons to go was the state’s political culture, which nearly half of those thinking of getting out cited as a consideration.This good news falls within the range of what is expected, certainly reflecting the attitudes of emigres I know personally. It also agrees with TX research findings we reported 10 days ago. And there is reason to believe those Democrats who leave CA will head for places they view as welcoming, like Oregon and Colorado.
Only 38 percent of Democrats said that they were considering leaving, compared with 55 percent of independents and 71 percent of Republicans. Similarly, those characterizing themselves as “somewhat liberal” were least likely to say that they want to go—fewer than four in ten are considering leaving. But 53 percent of moderates, 66 percent of the “somewhat conservative,” and 74 percent of the “very conservative” would like to migrate. Political affiliation, in fact, was more of a predictor of who wants to go or stay than other demographic information, such as race.
The following describing the “Curley effect” is not something I’ve seen elsewhere.
A political revolution that reverses the direction of California government is becoming increasingly difficult because it’s experiencing the state version of the Curley Effect. That phrase (snip) describes how big-city mayors like James Michael Curley in Boston (snip) managed to solidify their political dominance, even as their cities deteriorated because their policies drove out the people most likely to vote against them.Makes sense, doesn’t it? Tempting to say California is doomed.
