Posted on 08/24/2005 12:00:58 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is benefiting from millions of dollars raised by a network of tax-exempt groups without revealing that the money comes from major corporations with business before his office.
The groups are run by Schwarzenegger's closest political allies, who also represent some of California's biggest interest groups. Unlike the governor's many campaign funds, the nonprofits are not required to disclose their contributors and can accept unlimited amounts.
One group controlled by a powerful corporate consultant pays the $6,000-a-month rent on a Sacramento hotel suite used by the governor, who is a multimillionaire. Others have funded media events and political rallies featuring Schwarzenegger and helped pay for his foreign travel. So far, five tax-exempt groups aiding Schwarzenegger have collected $3 million.
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State and federal laws allow groups performing a broadly defined "public benefit" to operate tax exempt. But the lack of disclosure requirements means potential conflicts of interests between the governor and his contributors remain hidden, allowing powerful donors to curry favor with Schwarzenegger behind the scenes, they said.
"This is an end run around the campaign finance laws," said Larry Noble, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington. "It does away with the contribution limits and it avoids disclosure, and it's a way for the special interests who are supporting him to buy access and buy influence."
Rob Stutzman, the governor's communications director, said Schwarzenegger has asked the nonprofits directly helping him — such as the foundation paying his rent — to disclose their donors. In any case, he said the governor pays little attention to who donates to the nonprofits.
"He just never bothers himself with it," Stutzman said.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
did la la slime ever write about Davis getting perks?
How does the reporter know who is donating to the charities?
So are we talking Illaegal activity or doing politics in the Ted Kennedy mode that is NEVER QUESTIONED?
Yes they ADMIRED his ability to raise money.
OK, I confess, I belong to an industry group that gave money to the Gov.
However, my wife is a teacher and CTA MANDATES that she pay more in order to make political contributions. And what about all the other union groups, and interest groups of any kind?
The LA Times is describing a process that both sides use. Their double standard here is totally shameless.
Why, oh why is that a BAD THING when industry groups participate in government and a good thing only when unions contribute?
One of the directors of the Governor's Residence Foundation is Bob White, who runs a Sacramento consulting firm that has substantial business before the state through his firm, California Strategies. White, a former chief of staff to Wilson, is one of the most powerful figures in Sacramento.
(snip)
Schwarzenegger's campaign committees paid his rent until Jan. 1, after which the residence foundation picked up the tab. So far, the residence foundation has raised $35,000 from three entities, said attorney George Kieffer, another director [and partner of lawfirm Manatt Phelps, major Democratic machine].
Kieffer would not reveal the individual amounts donated. But he said the governor has never solicited money for the funds and doesn't know the names of the three donors paying his rent. ...
Political File: Redistricting process marked for changeHe was the same one telling us of the great benefits of Stem Cell research, as well.Momentum appears to be building for a proposal from a Los Angeles-based attorney who wants to take control of redistricting away from the Legislature in an effort to make state and federal races more competitive.
George Kieffer, chairman of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and legal eagle for California first lady Maria Shriver, is moving ahead with a campaign to have someone other than state lawmakers be in charge of drawing up legislative districts.
The chamber endorsed the proposal Thursday.
chickens , + , fox , + , henhouse = Initiative process
Then the CTA is breaking the law. The US Supreme Court ruled in Communications Workers of America v. Beck that if she requests to have union political contributions deducted from her check, they have to do it.
• Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Supports health programs.
Amount raised: $2 million
• California Commission on Jobs and Economic Growth
Promotes California economy.
Amount raised: $1 million
• Small Business Action Committee
Promotes business growth.
Amount raised: $50,000 for mall rallies
Donors not disclosed.
• Governor's Residence Foundation
Pays Schwarzenegger's Sacramento rent.
Amount raised: $35,000
Amounts not disclosed.
• California Protocol Foundation
Reduces government costs
Amount raised: $1 million ($32,000 for Japan trip)
Donors not disclosed.
Hmmm...
Yes! And retribution will be swift and certain, in spite of the Beck Decision. Those goons have no respect for Supreme Court Justices rulings! They're unruly scum!!!
I bet if they did a little more digging, they'd find Angelides, Garamendi and Westly settin the same eggs!!! BWAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!
I bet if they did a little more digging, they'd find Angelides, Garamendi and Westly settin the same eggs!!!
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Business as Usual. :)
There IS no shortage of eggs, that's for sure,
They been laying 'em since they were elected and starting legislating.
started=starting
You gotta read the whole thing, SW. They acknowledge that others regularly use non-profits. The difference, allegedly, is that Arnold is avoiding disclosure of donors by saying that the donations were not made at his "behest" and therefore down't have to report them. The Dems they mention (Davis Bustamante, Lockyer, Angelides, Jack O'Connell) did file those disclosure reports so anybody can see where the money is coming from.
Not defending him as that's what his staff is for... to do the mending and minding and make the difficult stuff "disappear" as if by magic!!! And above all... eliminate ANY surprises!!!
Yep! An some uv 'em have been neglected in the sun a little too long and have become a might bit pungent, as they'd say over on Number 10 Downing Street! Wouldn't that be a huge downer to get up and start every danged day on "Downing Street?"
Maybe that's why the brits are always saying "keep yer pecker up!", meaning yer kissy face, of course!!! (remember... the turtle has a clean mind!)
lolol.. turtle, another alternative white meat.. and it tastes just like chicken too,, .. kind of.. :-}
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