In the interest of fairness, we should discuss a potential voter referendum on the downtown Sacramento arena. Opponents of the arena plan are still vowing to bring it to voters. They don't really have anything to organize around now until the NBA makes its final decision and the Sacramento City Council begins entering binding agreements with the developers. But still, they vow to do so.

And since I know opponents would point to 2006: no Maloofs would be involved in this referendum. The odds of a total implosion by the pro-arena side reduce immensely from that single factor.

I never doubt the power of a public vote to surprise me, especially in this state. But if opponents do push for referendum, they look to have a big, multi-stage uphill battle.