Coincidentally, though a spokesman says the SEIU is not involved with the radio ad, the purple behemoth is sending out its thugs personnel to “persuade” Californians not to sign petitions.◼ Radio ad claims signing initiatives increases risk for identity theft - Sacramento Bee
◼ California: Shadow group begins to interfere with initiative signature gathering
The 60-second spot, which is airing on at least one Southern California radio station, features a man telling his spouse she should not have signed a petition at the grocery store.
"The Legislature called it an identity theft starter kit. Now we really need to watch our bank statements and credit information," he says.
"That's it, I'm not signing any more petitions," the woman responds. "I guess the lesson here is not to give our name and address to anyone we don't know."
The identity of the group behind the ad remains a mystery, but the timing of the launch suggests its aim is to derail one of several high-profile measures currently trying to qualify for the 2012 ballot.
The spot claims to be paid for by a group called "Californians Against Identity Theft." The coalition has no website and has not filed a campaign committee with the Secretary of State, though the content of the ad likely would not trigger disclosure requirements because it does not mention a specific measure or candidate....
SEIU California is dispatching its own representatives to the streets to persuade voters not to sign petitions. The union has sent members a toll-free number to report canvassers circulating petitions for the measure, urging them to dial in "if you see someone trying to fool voters in your community into signing away our rights."
SEIU California spokesman Christopher Calhoun said the union's effort is intended to "make sure folks get a chance to hear our side of the story" before signing the petitions.
He said the union is not involved in the radio ad.
It's IMPORTANT to know that: Under state law, it is illegal to use initiative signatures for anything other than the initiative petition. Election code also prohibits felons ineligible to register to vote from serving as signature gatherers.
