Voter ID proponents accuse California Democrats of lying about Trump's support for Prop. 39

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Set us as preferred SACRAMENTO — Supporters of a high-profile Nov.3 ballot measure that would require Californians to show identification when they vote accused state Democratic leaders of falsely stating that President Trump has endorsed the initiative.

Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio of San Diego, one of the measure’s authors, on Thursday called Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra a “bald-face liar” over comments he made during Wednesday’s gubernatorial debate hosted by CNN.Becerra said during the debate with Republican Steve Hilton that Trump was instrumental in the voter ID measure, Proposition 39, qualifying for California’s November ballot.Trump for years has tried to cast doubt about American elections, and unsuccessfully pushed Congress to pass a strict voter ID and proof of citizenship measure known as the SAVE America Act.

“Prop.39 is an initiative that is backed by Donald Trump,” Becerra said during the hourlong debate.

“He couldn’t get his SAVE Act out of Congress, which tries to interfere in elections.So he’s gone around the country and put initiatives on the ballot.

In California, it’s Prop.39.”DeMaio said the ballot measure qualified for the ballot because of strong support from California voters, including many Democrats and independents.

Supporters collected more than 1 million petition signatures in support of the measure, surpassing the 874,641 needed to qualify.“It was not put on the ballot by Donald Trump,” said DeMaio, who also founded the conservative advocacy group Reform California.Becerra is “showing that he’s not willing to be truthful with California voters,” DeMaio said.Meredith Shields, press secretary for the Yes on Prop.

39 committee, reiterated that Trump hasn’t taken a position on the initiative.“The opposition will do anyth...