PORTLAND -- Ballot Measure 61 is the creation of Kevin Mannix, a former Oregon state legislator and one-time candidate for governor and Congress.

He began writing Measure 61 in 2006 after realizing state lawmakers would not take action to deal with serious property crimes.

 More: Ballot Measure 61 explanatory statement

“Cheap and weak politicians prevented us from doing anything,” he said.

Mannix is experienced when it comes to “law and order” ballot measures.

He is the author of Ballot Measure 11, the Oregon law that requires mandatory minimum sentences for person-to-person crimes including assault, murder and manslaughter.

Ballot Measure 61 would require mandatory minimum prison terms for identity theft, first degree burglary, and Class A felony manufacture-delivery of methamphetamine, heroin or cocaine.

“We’re not pretending its light and easy,” Mannix said. “It’s meant to be a tough sanction for serious crime.”

Mannix and his supporters gathered 149,000 signatures. He is convinced it will pass.

“I don’t put measures on without a plan to win,” he said.

The entire text of the ballot measure is available in the 2008 Election Voters Guide.