Washington, D.C. - United States Senator Dianne Feinstein today officially announced her formal opposition to Proposition 5. The Senator issued the following statement:

"Not only would Prop 5 reduce accountability, it could allow gang-members and other criminals accused of identity theft, domestic violence, child abuse, car theft, killing someone while driving under the influence and a host of other serious crimes to effectively escape prosecution."

"Proposition 5 would also shorten parole for methamphetamine dealers from three years to just six months, a provision which is completely at odds with the goal of reducing the role of illegal drugs in our schools and communities. Proposition 5 should be known as the "drug dealers bill of rights." Proposition 5 is a dangerous initiative that would cause far too much harm to our families, schools and communities."

"For these reasons I join with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and our sheriffs, district attorneys and probation officers in urging all Californians to oppose Proposition 5 on the November ballot.