Prop. 11 supporters call on Perata to reveal "hidden agenda" of measure

The supporters of redistricting measure Proposition 11 called this week on outgoing state Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) to debate them about a "hidden agenda" that a campaign opposing the measure - and funded by Perata - has accused the measure of concealing.

"It's our opinion that Senator Perata's backroom deals and attempts to raise money to defeat this reform is what constitutes the real hidden agenda," said Jeanine English, president of the 11-supporting California AARP, in a press release.

"We should take it to the people of California to decide whether we have the hidden agenda or whether it's Senator Perata with the hidden agenda," she said in the release.

Leaders of other groups backing Proposition 11, such as Common Cause of California and the League of Women Voters, also called on Perata to fully explain his attacks on the measure.

The California Democratic Party is the most high-profile group opposing Proposition 11. Perata was involved in discussions earlier this year to create a ballot measure that would've both altered redistricting and term limits, but those plans fell apart and a term-limits reform measure backed by Democrats went down to defeat in the February primary.

If approved, Proposition 11 would give the job of drawing new political districts to a commission of 14 people with representation from major and minor political parties.

The state legislature was responsible for the last round of redistricting in 2001, which drew widespread criticism for preserving safe seats for incumbent parties.