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

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.