It's clear from the recent rallies that there's plenty of local support to overturn the same-sex marriage ban that voters approved on Election Day.

But at least one veteran state pollster said the No on 8 movement might want to slow down.

Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll, a respected independent and nonpartisan public-opinion news service, said it would be “wise to wait for another presidential election and put it on the ballot when there is another big turnout.”

The quality of campaigns aside, he pointed out two key reasons:

The historical trend favors supporters of same-sex marriage.

In 1977, 28 percent approved same-sex marriage and 59 percent opposed, according to the Field Poll. By May of this year, the poll found 51 percent approved and 42 percent opposed.

In lower-turnout elections, typically nonpresidential years, “older voters tend to be a bigger chunk of the vote, and they (same-sex marriage advocates) will find it tough going,” he said.

Earlier this month, a joint media exit poll found that 61 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 opposed the ballot measure. Only 39 percent of voters 65 years and older opposed it.

“I think their chances are going to improve down the road,” DiCamillo said. “Eight years is better than four years, 12 years is better than eight.”

But are supporters ready to wait eight to 12 years? Judging by the outcry and immediate legal fight, it's not likely.

As Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, noted in a Thursday e-mail to supporters:

“Today is the first day of the campaign to overturn Proposition 8 by 2010.”

An oldie but maybe they'll say ‘goodie'

Assemblyman John Benoit had the honor of introducing the first bill of the special legislative session.

And it was one of his favorite evergreen ideas: Allowing school and community college districts to contract out non-institutional services.

Traditionally, the state senator-elect doesn't get far with the issue and is met with opposition from those who want to keep work with the unions.

But in a news release, Benoit argued, “California's dire fiscal situation calls for a prudent examination of how our tax dollars are being allocated.

“In the midst of discussions about tackling California's multibillion (dollar) deficit, this common-sense reform and flexibility is more important than ever,” he added.

Following the party financial stance

Speaking of the state budget woes:

Coachella Valley's newest Assembly members may be new to the Capitol, but they're starting the budget debate safely in line with their own political parties' views.

Republican Brian Nestande doesn't want to increase taxes, and Democrat Manuel Perez doesn't favor cutting education.

“The fiscal condition (of the state) — we absolutely have to deal with that before we deal with other critical issues,'' said new 64th Assemblyman Nestande. He, along with Perez, have been in Sacramento for orientation.

But he called on the governor and lawmakers to rethink current spending and to adopt budget reforms first, such as a firm cap on future expenditures, “before we start talking about taxes.

“Higher taxes are counterproductive'' for the economy, Nestande added.

Perez said the state should consider options such as closing tax loopholes and tapping companies that ship jobs overseas to pay their “fair share,” before cutting education funding.

“We need to invest in education,” said Perez, the first Democrat to represent the 80th District since 1994. “My gut reaction (to cutting education) is to say that ‘No, I can't support that.'

“But I'll sit at the table and look at everything being proposed.”

Oden takes on the Buckeye state

Former Palm Springs mayor. Previous congressional and Assembly candidate. Public speaker.

You read that right. Ron Oden is “joining other noted celebrities in public speaking,” according to a release sent out on his behalf that touted his “golden voice and positive vibe.”

One of his next stops is Zanesville, Ohio, where on Friday he'll talk to Foxfire Charter School about “how he made it into the history books.”

If Oden's looking to make the best of his trip to the Midwest, there's plenty of former Buckeyes at The Desert Sun who would be happy to give him some “must-see” tips.

Urgent matters

We're guessing Rep. Mary Bono Mack had plenty of emergency preparation last week.

Not only did the Palm Springs congresswoman participate in the local “Big One” practice, but she had some real-life urgency when Wednesday's dinner preparation caused a small kitchen fire.

Bono Mack's folks tell us it was nothing serious, there were no injuries and it didn't require the fire department's presence. But it did melt the blinds a bit.

And, in case you were wondering, we hear the chicken turned out fine.

The Palm Springs Republican Women Federated will hold its November luncheon on Thursday. The meeting, featuring Palm Springs USO director Greg Peck, starts at 11 a.m. at Seven Lakes Country Club in Palm Springs. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers.

Reservations are due by Tuesday to 837-7072

Riverside County Sheriff Stan Sniff is having a fundraiser Thursday at the Marriott in Riverside. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a VIP reception. Tickets start at $125.

Jake Henshaw contributed to this column.