Dive Summary:
- A new poll conducted by the LA Times and USC shows the vote on Prop. 37, the proposition to require mandatory labeling of genetically modified products, in a dead heat with 44% for the initiative and 42% against.
- This comes after a concerted and massive $41 million media effort by food and agricultural companies which actually has shown serious effectiveness over the last month causing a 17% swing in the polls.
- While those for the proposition are still winning, with 14% still undecided, experts are still saying that it is still too close to call at this point.
From the article:
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Once riding high, Proposition 37, the California ballot measure to label genetically engineered foods, has seen its voter support plummet during the last month, and a new poll shows the high-stakes battle now is a dead heat.
After a barrage of negative television advertisements financed by a $41 million opposition war chest, a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll released Thursday showed 44 percent of surveyed voters backing the initiative and 42 percent opposing it. A substantial slice of the electorate, 14 percent, remains undecided."
