In PA, a new Tribune Review/WPXI-TV poll conducted
October 28-29, found that 64.3% of voters surveyed were
opposed to the proposed regional sales tax increase that
would help fund new stadiums for the Pirates and Steelers,
while 23.9% supported it and 11.8% were undecided, according
to Sandra Skowron of the PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE REVIEW. The tax
increase has moved "within striking distance" in Allegheny
County, but in the other 10 counties that will vote on the
tax, opposition "grew" to 71.8%. The poll surveyed 600
likely voters with a margin of error of +/- 4% (TRIBUNE
REVIEW, 11/2). Skowron added that while Steelers Owner Dan
Rooney has said the Steelers "aren't leaving," Pirates GM
Cam Bonifay has said that the Pirates "could go up for sale
this spring if the referendum fails." Under the Pirates
lease, CEO Kevin McClatchy could announce "his intent to
sell the team as early as next February" should funding for
a new ballpark not be found -- "provided he can demonstrate
operating losses" of $15M (TRIBUNE REVIEW, 11/2). Also in
Pittsburgh, Kim Burger writes that some "experts" say that a
Steelers win tonight on "Monday Night Football" could "pull
some voters off the fence and behind the 'Yes' lever." But
with the latest poll, many political observers see "little
chance for a grand turnaround" (TRIBUNE REVIEW, 11/3).
