That's the one the NPR article talks about (unless there was another in 1994). Then came the "Three Strikes You're Out" law in 1994. Offenders who had committe

That's the one the NPR article talks about (unless there was another in 1994). Then came the "Three Strikes You're Out" law in 1994. Offenders who had committed even a minor third felony — like shoplifting — got life sentences. Voters at the time were inundated with television ads, pamphlets and press conferences from Gov. Pete Wilson. "Three strikes is the most important victory yet in the fight to take back our streets," Wilson told crowds. But behind these efforts to get voters to approve these laws was one major player: the correctional officers union. In three decades, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association has become one of the most powerful political forces in California. The union has contributed millions of dollars to support "three strikes" and other laws that lengthen sentences and increase parole sanctions. It donated $1 million to Wilson after he backed the three strikes law. And the result for the union has been dramatic. Since the laws went into effect and the inmate population boomed, the union grew from 2,600 officers to 45,000 officers. Salaries jumped: In 1980, the average officer earned $15,000 a year; today, one in every 10 officers makes more than $100,000 a year. Lance Corcoran, spokesman for the union, says it does what is best for its members. "We have advocated successfully for our members," he said. ... EDIT You also show how it worked in Washington, which is a good comparison. Was there similar lobbying there? (This is an earnest question, I do not know the answer.)