The sad part is that splitting the votes is in fact the more democratic approach and actually reflects the popular perceptions of the state. It is ironic to see the more "liberal" (the democrats are centre-right by international standards)party standing up to oppose a democratic shift. All that being said if this were to occur nation wide then the entire process would be more democratic, however clearly republican efforts would block that in cases where it is not beneficial to them.

Having been in California recently. Most people I spoke to (in the bay area) knew about this and where opposed to it.
I got the impression form the local news that discussed this that the measure isn't very likely to ever make it on the ballot.