Woodward & McDowell: Services: Past Campaigns

No on Prop. 87 - Defeating a $4 billion oil tax

No on Prop. 68 - Defeating an expansion of gaming on non-tribal lands

No on Prop. 56 - A triumph of message over money

Yes on Prop. 47 - Passing the then-largest bond in U.S. history

Yes on Prop. 42 – Dedicating a gasoline sales tax to transportation

Yes on Prop. 35 - Changing complex government contracting procedures

No on Prop. 25 - Defeating popular campaign finance reforms

No on Prop. 8 - Exposing phony education reform

Yes on Props 111 & 108 - $18.5 billion in new gas taxes and bonds

No on Measure 4 - Defeating a popular triple trailer ban

Yes on Water District Bonds - Santa Barbara County

No on B, D, H & J - San Diego County Development/No Growth Battles

Examples of Past Campaigns

Early polls showed strong public appeal for Proposition 87. The proposed new oil tax to fund alternative energy sounded like a good idea in the face of rising concern over oil dependence and the need for more alternatives. The initiative had substantial financial backing from Hollywood and venture capitalists, and celebrities and political stars from across the nation were flown in to stump for it.

But Prop. 87 wasn’t a vote on ideas, it was a vote on a poorly crafted initiative that would have adversely impacted Californians. W&M went to work on behalf of a coalition of hundreds of businesses, energy producers, taxpayer groups and public safety organizations to spread the word about its real life consequences…the story behind the pretty picture.

We utilized every message delivery mechanism possible, from paid advertising to down home person-to-person contact, and received national awards from the American Association of Political Consultants for our expansive internet campaign, television advertising, and campaign materials. By the time election day rolled around, almost every daily newspaper in the state had editorialized against Prop. 87 and voters ultimately turned it down by a 10 point margin: 55% no, 45% yes.