Money in Politics
Background:
The dominating influence of wealthy special interests in the funding of campaigns has eroded public trust in our political system and discouraged political participation. In a system that gives undue access to lawmakers and influence on legislation to those who contribute large amounts to campaigns, most citizens believe their voice is not being heard. On a whole range of issues - environment, healthcare, taxes - we see corporations and wealthy individuals benefiting at the expense of all Americans.
California Common Cause is working for campaign finance reforms that will help bring government back to the people by reducing the influence of wealthy special interests, expanding public funding of campaigns and encouraging campaigns to seek funding from a broader base of small contributors.
In California, we are working hard to pass clean elections at the state and local levels. We have also been successful at encouraging a number of other campaign finance reforms for the state and cities in CA. These include better campaign disclosure requirements, campaign contribution limits and campaign spending limits.
Please visit our other issue pages to learn more about the different ways California Common Cause is working to remove the influence of big money in our political system and increase public trust in the system.
Clean Money
Redistricting Reform
Media Reform
And don't forget to get involved! It is important for elected officials to hear from YOU!
Take Action!
Check back soon to see how YOU can help remove money from politics!
Indian Gaming's Influence:
February Ballot Issue
On California’s February 5, 2008 ballot, voters will be asked whether or not to amend four Indian Gaming Compacts - Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97.
As of 1/8/08, almost $75,000,000 in contributions have been raised to support and oppose these propositions.
Click here to see who is donating in support ($55,511,858.68)
Click here to see who is donating to oppose ($18,842,250)
Prop 94 - Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact. (Chapter 40, Statutes of 2007)
Ratifies an agreement with the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians (which owns a casino in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines) to, among other provisions, permit the tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines (up to 7,500 total). In exchange, the tribe would make $42,500,000 in annual payments and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.
Prop 95 - Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact. (Chapter 38, Statutes of 2007)
Ratifies an agreement with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians (which owns a casino in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines) to, among other provisions, permit the tribe to operate 5,500 additional slot machines (up to 7,500 total). In exchange, the tribe would make $36,700,000 in annual payments and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.
Prop 96 - Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact. (Chapter 39, Statutes of 2007)
Ratifies an agreement with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation (which owns a casino in San Diego County with about 2,000 slot machines) to, among other provisions, permit the tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines (up to 5,000 total). In exchange, the tribe would make $20,000,000 in annual payments and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.
Prop 97 - Referendum on Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact. (Chapter 41, Statutes of 2007)
Ratifies an agreement with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (which owns two casinos in Riverside County with about 2,000 slot machines) to, among other provisions, permit the tribe to operate 3,000 additional slot machines (up to 5,000 total). In exchange, the tribe would make $23,400,000 in annual payments and pay percentage of revenue generated from the additional slot machines to the state.
Reports
Restacking the Deck: Tribal Casino Campaign Contributions in 2006 (Updated Campaign Contribution Figures)
2007 LAO Report: California Tribal Casinos: Questions and Answers
2005 Institute of Governmental Studies, UC Berkeley: Indian Gaming in California
2001 Common Cause Report: Stacking the Deck: Gambling Industry Emerges as Top Campaign Contributor in California
Tobacco's Influence:
2007 American Lung Association Report: Tobacco Money in California Politics
Click here NBC 11's news story on this report.
2006 Primary Election:
Campaign expenditures in statewide races:
Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Controller, Secretary of State
Top contributors to gubernatorial candidates:
Schwarzenegger, Angelides, Westly
Preschool Education. Tax on Incomes Over $400,000 for Individuals; $800,000 for Couples. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
2005 Special Election:
Waiting period and parental notification before termination of a minor's pregnancy.
Proposition 74
Public school teachers. Waiting period for permanent status. Dismissal.
Proposition 75
Public employee union dues.
Proposition 76
State spending.
Proposition 77
Redistricting.
Propositions 78 and 79
Prescription drug discounts.
Proposition 80
Energy regulation.
2005 Campaign Contributions to Legislative Leaders:
Don Perata, Senate President Pro Tem
Dick Ackerman, Senate Republican Leader
Fabian Nunez, Assembly Speaker
Kevin McCarthy, Assembly Republican Leader
Helpful Links:
Secretary of State campaign filings
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