California floats an idea to fight shoplifting that may even affect who controls Congress

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Millions of American shoppers are contending with common drugstore items like toothpaste being locked behind Plexiglass these days. If you’re one of them, California may have a solution. Business leaders, law enforcement and Republican politicians are backing a ballot initiative that could once again allow judges to imprison repeat shoplifters. California voters are set to decide on the idea in November. Many politicians think the so-called tough-on-crime measure could even affect who controls Congress. They say voters are fed up with retail theft and that if House Democrat candidates don’t back a crack down, they could find themselves out of their jobs. Top state Democrats worry the proposal would hurt low-income people and those with substance abuse problems.