Free Republic

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A campaign committee controlled by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata received a half-million dollars this week from the California Building Industry Association, two days after the lawmaker killed flood-control legislation opposed by the group. The $500,000 contribution was made to Rebuilding California, formed by Perata to promote the transportation, housing, flood control and other bond measures on the Nov. 7 ballot. The massive donation on Thursday came after Perata's disclosure on Tuesday that he has shelved a package of eight flood-control bills touted as a way to reduce flooding risk in the Central Valley and other...