Posted on 02/14/2008 1:51:29 PM PST by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO - One of the most extensive campaign finance studies in California history showed today that when voters restricted direct contributions to candidates in 2001, donations from special interests flowed around that curb and swelled into an $88 million torrent.
The study compiled by the state Fair Political Practices Commission, shows indirect contributions to legislative candidates from special interests surged more than 6,000 percent - from $376,000 to $23.5 million.
Indirect donations from wealthy groups to statewide candidates surged more than 5,000 percent to $29.5 million.
"The astounding increase in independent expenditures benefiting candidates for state office is clearly thwarting the will of the people to limit campaign spending," said commission Chairman Ross Johnson.
The FPPC, the state's top political campaign watchdog, released the report as the board began a hearing on how to address skyrocketing donations to independent-expenditure committees.
Proposition 34 capped individual contributions to candidate-run funds at $3,600 per election. But monied stakeholders began donating instead to independent campaigns to elect certain candidates, the study found.
And the study showed the donations have been successful in affecting the outcome of Senate and Assembly races much of the time, often outspending the candidates themselves.
But tracking the independent campaign contributions as they occur is difficult, despite current reporting requirements and Internet posting on a state Web site. The report showed the top 10 groups that have funded the biggest independent-expenditure committees - with contributions totaling more than $33 million - include Indian tribes with gambling casinos, the California Teachers Association, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association and labor unions.
Johnson, a former lawmaker, said he is seeking a way to use existing law to force greater disclosure of the contributions.
Campaign finance reform advocates, who support the FPPC effort, said the contributions provide powerful groups undue influence on issues.
As a result, they said, legislation and ballot propositions dealing with donations to campaigns remain one of the most contentious issues in Sacramento.
The people who directly benefit from political contributions are the people who write and pass the laws that regulate political contributions. Why should anyone be surprised that $$$$ keeps on flowing into the coffers of our “leaders” despite all their “best efforts” to regulate the process and “clean it up”.
Repeal all campaign finance laws. Let anyone donate any amount to any person or group. But require full disclosure of who donated, how much and to whom and have this widely published well before any election.
No wonder there is never any change in California...... its all tied up in union control.... and the Indians just got even more power than ever.....
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