The fall of the Republican Party in California.
What's the history behind this initiative? I can't say I know it.
187 was designed to deny basic social services to illegals, and was strongly supported by Gov. Pete Wilson (R). Immediately after the initiative passed, it's constitutionality was immediately challenged and put on a temporary restraining order, on grounds that it exceeded state authority in the federal realm of immigration. In 1998, newly elected Gov. Gray Davis (D), who opposed the proposition, had the case brought before mediation. Following this, he dropped the appeals process before the courts, effectively killing the law.
Wilson also campaigned for president in 1996 on an anti-immigration platform. Not only did he lose the nomination, he lost minority support as the state's minority population shifted heavily Democratic.
Many pundits cite Wilson's feverish support for 187 as a reason for the GOP's failure to win over Latino voters.
Hmm, I always find it interesting how in so many cases one person has been responsible for the entire downfall of a political party.
