Sign-off by his union base — If the major public employee unions throughout the state do not sign-off on the cuts and strongly get behind the June special election tax measures (with real monetary and volunteer muscle), it spells immediate trouble.

Neutralizing significant opposition — This means getting business interests and taxpayer organizations to at least take a muted approach to the tax plans.  If they go ballistic, and stay that way, it could sink the budget ship before it leaves the dock.

A highly effective public outreach campaign — Recent history at the ballot box is stacked against the planned June 2011 proposals.  Groundwork has been laid well making the fiscal case by Brown and his folks.  This will have to be followed up by a truly credible, mother-of-all outreach campaign to secure a majority of votes in support from a politically very grumpy electorate.

Catch Jerry’s State of the State address Monday, January 31st at 5pm.