Not to defend Inslee, but WA voters don't go for big tax increases, pretty much ever.
True, and it makes it all the more baffling that Inslee staked so much of his political capital/reputation on the initiative, and then basically walked away from the campaign as it was approaching the finish line.
I like Inslee's emphasis on climate change, and I think his heart is in the right place. But if as a popular governor he couldn't get his signature legislation passed in liberal Washington state, why should I think he'd be any more effective in gridlocked Washington DC?
Outside oil companies spent something like $30 billion to oppose l-1631, compared to $15 billion in support. I heard from acquaintances that their intended goal was a 30-70 No vote (the actual vote was more like 44-56).
