Statewide propositions end predictably

The statewide propositions ended predictably, with the side spending the most money on TV ads winning. The preliminary numbers:

Prop. 1, water bonds. Winning 68-32. The $7.5 billion in water bonds will cost $15 billion to pay off. For that, only $2.5 billion will go to dams and reservoirs to help alleviate future droughts. It’s a typical California ripoff, with special interests getting the lion’s share of the money.

Prop. 2, rainy day budget fund. Winning 71-29. The Legislature always has figured out ways to grab the money in previous rainy-day funds guaranteed by initiatives. We’ll see if that happens again.

Prop. 45, giving the insurance commissioner authority over medical insurance rates. Losing, 61-39. Massive ads against it doomed the initiative.

Prop. 46, drug testing doctors. Losing 68-32. A silly regulation that would have driven doctors from their profession faster than Obamacare is.

Prop. 47, reducing penalties, mainly for drug use. Winning, 57-43. A big coalition backed it. A rare defeat for law-enforcement unions.

Prop. 48, Indian gaming compact. Losing, 63-37.