Pfizer and Merck Join $500 Million California Ballot Stampede
- Spending soars as voter initiatives reach a two-decade peak
- As many as 18 issues projected to qualify for November vote
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As California voters prepare to consider the most ballot measures in almost two decades, companies such as Merck & Co. Inc. and Pfizer Inc. and other interests have already plowed $160 million to sway the outcomes, a sum that could more than triple before the Nov. 8 election.
Proposals to cap prescription-drug costs, raise cigarette taxes, limit gun ammunition sales, legalize recreational marijuana and overturn a ban on plastic bags are among those likely to draw big-money donations. Eight have already made it on to the ballot.