• Los Angeles Times , Tuesday, October 17, 2006 12:15 PM

An expensive political battle over taxing oil production in California is going on, and most of the action is taking place on TV screens across the state. At issue is Proposition 87, a statewide ballot issue to be decided Nov. 7. So far, the two sides have spent $85 million just on TV advertising, helping to make this the most expensive such battle in Golden State history.

"This is one the voters will be aware of," says Shaun Bowler, a political science professor and initiative expert at UC Riverside. "When somebody with deep pockets has his ox being gored, you see the money spigot being turned on."

As of the most recent spending report, Yes on 87 has collected $47 million, most of it from Hollywood producer Stephen L. Bing. At the same time, The No campaign has collected more than $60 million, mainly from oil companies, with Chevron Corp. ponying up at least $22 million. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger opposes the measure, but is not campaigning for the No side.

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