CA: Gov. Sets Restrictions on His Fundraising Sources

LA Times ^ | 9/10/04 | Peter Nicholas

[NormsRevenge]

SACRAMENTO — Facing persistent criticism over his fundraising practices, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is imposing new limits on how he collects campaign money, pledging to turn away donations from workers' compensation insurers, energy companies and Indian gambling interests.

Schwarzenegger's political team this week returned a $25,000 contribution that came in last month from Liberty Mutual, citing a guideline under which the governor will refuse contributions from insurers that underwrite workers' compensation policies.

One of Schwarzenegger's main priorities has been overhauling the workers' compensation system in a bid to curb costs. Schwarzenegger, though, will not give back earlier donations that he received from workers' compensation insurers, including a $100,000 contribution that he received in January from Zenith Insurance.

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Only last week, as he attended the Republican National Convention in New York City, Schwarzenegger defended his fundraising methods and gave no indication that any change was needed. He said he didn't even know the names of his donors. And he described himself as someone who "cannot be bought," ---snip--- .

"I have nothing against them contributing money," Schwarzenegger said. "What I campaigned for, is that special interests should not have an influence on our Capitol. And they should not buy their way in. And the politicians should not be that weak that [donors] give money in return for favors. You can accept money, but don't return favors for that. And don't have someone say, 'Look, I'll give you this amount of money. There's a bill coming up, you've got to help me.' So those are the things that I'm against."

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Schwarzenegger's fundraising methods are subject to continual refinement and reevaluation. He takes money from some donors but not others, while reserving the right to change direction at any moment.