Free Republic

<p>Perata's friend and associate, Timothy G. Staples, has received $313,000 in business from political campaigns initiated or supported by the influential Oakland lawmaker. At the same time, Staples has paid Perata $100,000 in consulting fees that supplement Perata's Senate salary, according to financial records and interviews with the senator.</p>

<p>Sacramento -- A developer and longtime ally of state Sen. Don Perata opened a political committee last year to raise money for Democrats across the state. The fund quickly collected $135,000 from four corporations -- all of which have donated generously to the Oakland lawmaker as well.</p>