The presidential debates have been dominated by vigorous exchanges on the merits of Texas Gov. George W. Bush's extensive tax cut plan.

But for Massachusetts residents, it will be possible to vote for a tax cut more directly than by just pulling the Republican lever.

The eight statewide ballot initiatives, including a proposed income tax rate cut, might be the most exciting races to follow in the ultra-liberal Commonwealth.

The questions are an eclectic group--from cutting income taxes to prohibiting greyhound racing to creating a constitutional provision preventing convicted felons from voting. But millions are being poured into the campaigns, with over $2 million being spent to defeat a health care initiative alone.

Both the College Democrats and the Harvard Republican Club have organized efforts on the proposed income tax rate cut. College Democrats have handed out flyers at the Square T stop, and the Harvard Republican Club organized a rally to cheer on the chief proponent of the tax cut, Gov. A. Paul Cellucci.

"[Questions] Four and Six are certainly a big part of our work this fall," says John F. Bingaman '02, campaigns director of the College Democrats. "We're getting a lot of people involved."

While the initiatives seem to appeal only to policy wonks, the effects are long ranging and represent clear partisan differences from tax rates to the health care system. The choice between opposing ideologies is perhaps starkest on these issues, and is creating more vigorous debate than the humdrum race for the top of the ticket.

Death and Taxes?