Experts Expound

Jerry Brown changed Proposition 8's ballot statement to read "only marriage between a man a woman is valid or recognized in California." The proponents describe Prop. 8 as "a limit on marriage" and are challenging Brown's wording. Is Brown playing politics or is he doing his job to ensure ballot accuracy?

 Brown is playing politics. He just cut into Gavin Newsom's advantage on this issue for a Democratic primary in a huge way.

I think it is proper to reflect the current state of the law when doing a ballot statement. According to the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down the statutory marriage ban, I think the current law is to allow marriages regardless of gender. So, the proposed constitutional amendment would now be limiting currently permissible marriages, which seems like a "limit on marriage." I would probably be excommunicated by my Republican brethren for saying so, but this is the only analysis that makes sense to me.
Jerry Brown using his position to forward a liberal agenda? Absurd. I can't believe Capitol Weekly would even suggest that.
The Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage changed everything. But Brown is probably playing some games, because he had to defend the marriage ban in court and is now trying to redeem himself in the LGBT community.

Do they still think that thing can pass?

Brown is playing politics and he is doing his job to ensure ballot accuracy.

A longtime Democrat politician who was the state party chair politicizing a lightning-rod issue in advance of a run for Governor? No way that'd ever happen. This is the definition of shameless political opportunism, not to mention a great way to get in front of Gavin Newsom in case he still thinks he can run a legitimate campaign. Still, you gotta give Jerry props for seizing the moment, I suppose.
He's playing politics. Just like with term limits.

JB is always playing politics.

Brown is playing politics to help himself with gay voters in 2010 primary.

Brown changed the title and summary to reflect the current law in California as determined by the recent decision of the California Supreme Court.

I support the measure and think its just fine. He is good with me.

Jerry Brown is running in the primary for Governor….starting the day this came out.

If the Times story is correct, you have the question backward. Proponents say it recognizes only marriage between a man and a woman, and Brown changed it to say it "eliminates the right of same sex couples to marry."

He may be playing politics, but sometimes that results in doing the right thing. And that's the case here because this initiative would eliminate a legal right.

Jerry Brown doesn't "play" politics – it is his full time job.

He is simply playing it straight.

Brown needs to chip away at Newsom's support. Its that simple.

I think he is doing his job and making it clear

The people from whom we sought opinions: Andrew Acosta, A.G. Block, Mark Bogetich, Barry Brokaw, Morgan Crinklaw, J. Dale Debber, Peter DeMarco, Jim Evans, Kathy Fairbanks, Jeff Fuller, Rex Frazier, Ken Gibson, Evan Goldberg, Deborah Gonzalez, Sandy Harrison, Bob Hertzberg, Jason Kinney, Mike Madrid, Nicole Mahrt, Steve Maviglio, Adam Mendelsohn, Barbara O'Connor, Bill Packer, Kassy Perry, Jack Pitney, Adam Probolsky, Tony Quinn, Matt Rexroad, Matt Ross, Roger Salazar, Dan Schnur, Will Shuck, Ralph Simoni, Sam Sorich, Ray Sotero, Garry South, Kevin Spillane, Rich Zeiger.