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Ethics panel, state bar probe Delgadillo: Prosecutor promises full cooperation with investigations of alleged personal use of city resources

By Patrick McGreevy and Matt Lait, Los Angeles Times, June 22, 2007

Investigators from the Los Angeles Ethics Commission and the State Bar of California have launched separate inquiries related to City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo's use of city resources for personal reasons, authorities and sources said Thursday.

(...)
"There are certainly concerns about the misuse of public property for private benefit," said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause. "Particularly because we are talking about a position that must maintain a high level of public integrity … we would want an investigation to make sure that integrity is there." (continued)

Stealth bill to boost fees flies through the Assembly: Drivers would pay more to fund research to develop cleaner fuels
By Matthew Yi, San Francisco Chronicle, June 14, 2007

Sacramento - Legislation by Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez to increase fees on California motorists by nearly $167 million each year to pay for cleaner air breezed through the Assembly with little debate and even less fanfare.
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"When bills get rushed through without much public debate, the public's opportunity to weigh in ... is limited," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate at California Common Cause. ( continued)

Sacramento Politicians Should Use Gaming Compacts to Protect California Election Law
By Ned Wigglesworth, California Progress Report, June 14, 2007

The five southern California tribes currently seeking permission to vastly expand their gambling empires have spent millions of dollars on California politics and elections to achieve their goal. ( continued)

In California, local races attract huge donations
By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, May 26, 2007

Sacramento - Races for county assessor are usually sleepy affairs that attract relatively little in campaign donations. Not in San Bernardino County in 2006.

(...)

The lack of contribution limits can give wealthy donors more clout in local races than on the state level, said Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for the campaign reform group California Common Cause.

"Local races are just as open to influence from special interests as statewide races, and even more so in some cases," he said. "Whereas $20,000 in a state campaign might buy you a seat at the table, $20,000 in a local race buys you the whole conference room."

He supports donation limits and public financing for local races and a requirement that local candidates disclose donations online to make it easier for voters to track the source of candidates' money. (continued)

Disclosure of contributions should be law
Daily Bulletin Editorial, May 7, 2007

While efforts to curb campaign fund raising have met with mixed results in California, the multimillion-dollar race for San Bernardino County assessor last year could, all by itself, make a compelling case for election reform.
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"Local races are just as open to influence from special interests as statewide races, and even more so in some cases," said Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for California Common Cause. (continued)

In California, local races attract huge donations
By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, May 26, 2007

SACRAMENTO - Races for county assessor are usually sleepy affairs that attract relatively little in campaign donations. Not in San Bernardino County in 2006.

Bill Postmus, the chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, spent $2.4 million last year to win the assessor's job, pulling in donations of at least $10,000 from 50 contributors, including a home builder that gave him $244,000.
(…)
The lack of contribution limits can give wealthy donors more clout in local races than on the state level, said Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for the campaign reform group California Common Cause. (continued)

Redistricting measures out of starting gate: Competing visions portend tough fight
By Steven Harmon, MediaNews, May 15, 2007

SACRAMENTO - A pair of competing Senate ballot measures on redistricting passed out of a key committee Wednesday, setting in motion what promises to be a contentious battle over an array of government reforms that could eventually go to voters for approval.
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"It is our hope," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for Common Cause of California, "that this early start will allow the Legislature to pass redistricting reform prior to the summer recess."

Unopposed board raised $8 million: A Times database looks at more than 15,000 contributions to L.A. County supervisors.
By Jack Leonard and Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, May 13, 2007

It has been more than a decade since any of Los Angeles County's five supervisors faced a serious election contest, but that hasn't curbed their appetite for campaign cash.
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Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause, said elected officials should be barred from voting on issues that would probably benefit contributors.

She cited rules that prohibit Metropolitan Transportation Authority board members - who include all five supervisors - from accepting more than $10 from companies that seek contracts from the transit agency.

"It creates a perception that people who make large donations get additional access to our elected officials," Feng said. "Sometimes, that impression can translate into real influence."

Feng also criticized county leaders for failing to move sooner to offer a more accessible way to see who contributes to supervisors. The county registrar-recorder's office posts printed copies of campaign finance reports on its website, but they are difficult to view and do not allow the public to easily search for donors. (continued)

Unopposed board raised $8 million: A Times database looks at more than 15,000 contributions to L.A. County supervisors.
By Jack Leonard and Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, May 13, 2007

It has been more than a decade since any of Los Angeles County's five supervisors faced a serious election contest, but that hasn't curbed their appetite for campaign cash.
(…)
Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause, said elected officials should be barred from voting on issues that would probably benefit contributors. (continued)

New Coalition Tackles Big Money in Local Campaigns
By Jorge Casuso, The Lookout News, May 8, 2007

Worried that “money is having a destructive effect on public policy,” a group of Santa Monica residents and community groups have formed a coalition to lessen the growing importance of private funding on local politics.

Called the Voter-Owned Transparent Elections for Santa Monica (VOTE4SM), the group includes California Common Cause, the Santa Monica Democratic Club, the California Clean Money Campaign, Southern California Americans for Democratic Action and Santa Monica's five major neighborhood groups.
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“This kind of system promotes competition by enabling more candidates -- and from more diverse backgrounds -- to seek office, and reduces their dependence on special-interest contributions,” said Marcy Koukhab, LA organizer for California Common Cause and Santa Monica resident. (continued)

Natomas schools again tap firm for a key hire: District consultant to oversee facilities.
By Terri Hardy, Sacramento Bee, May 2, 2007

The Natomas Unified School District has tapped as its new head of facilities the chief executive of a construction management company that was awarded contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from the fast-growing district.
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Common Cause, a taxpayer watchdog group, has expressed concerns about "cronyism" at Natomas under Harding. The decision to hire Cannon only heightens questions about the district's practices, said JoAnn Fuller, the group's associate director.

"We're very concerned about what looks like another conflict of interest with the same company," Fuller said. "We think it's important that the district review its procedures." (continued)

In Natomas, school official aids ex-firm: Facilities chief awards company no-bid management contracts.
By Terri Hardy, Sacramento Bee, April 29, 2007

A top Natomas school official in charge of building new facilities for the booming district repeatedly granted work to a construction management firm he founded, awarding five no-bid contracts worth $433,900.
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At the very least, said Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for the taxpayer watchdog group California Common Cause, Harding's repeated use of Educational Facilities Program Management smacked of "cronyism." (continued)

Miller should opt out of bills that aid donor
Daily Bulletin Editorial, April 20, 2007

Part of a congressman's job in Washington is to fight for federal dollars. But when that money goes to benefit a major campaign contributor, who, on top of that, is a sometime business partner, ethical questions arise.
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"But the actions he has taken have not benefited just the community at large," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. "Many of the dollars that Miller has brought back here have benefited his campaign contributor, and business partner." (continued)

Nuñez seeks new lines for congressional districts
By Steven Harmon, MediaNews, April 19, 2007

Sacramento - Risking the wrath of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez introduced a bill Wednesday that would allow an independent commission to draw state legislative and congressional boundaries.
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"It's a step in the right direction," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause, referring to Nuñez's proposal. "We're encouraged the speaker is fleshing out the principles with specifics."

California Assembly Speaker Nunez Announces Redistricting Proposal--Common Cause "Encouraged" After Being Briefed
By Frank D. Russo, Capitol Weekly, April 18, 2007

Speaker of the California Assembly Fabian Nunez announced to a hastily arranged press conference that the language has been drafted for his proposal on redistricting, which will include not only the State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization seats, but Congressional districts as well.

Ned Wigglesworth, who has been representing California Common Cause on redistricting reforms--both with the legislature and with organizations that have filed initiative proposals with the California Secretary of State, said the organization "was encouraged" by the Speaker's proposal after a briefing prior to the press conference. (continued)

Redistricting without politicians: Citizens measure would face uphill battle with legislators
By John Wildermuth, San Francisco Chronicle, April 18, 2007

A showdown is looming between a quartet of public interest groups who have put together a "politics-free" plan for redistricting and state legislators over who should redraw California's political boundaries.
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But Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause, said the proposed initiative is a blueprint for the type of wide-ranging reform urged by voters.

"We want there to be a guidepost for the Legislature,'' she said. "It's really important to state what our preferences are.'' (continued)

Lawmaker, campaign reform groups try again with public financing
By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, April 17, 2007

A Democratic lawmaker and several political reform groups renewed efforts Tuesday to authorize public financing to pay for state election campaigns, 5 1/2 months after voters rejected a similar measure that drew strong opposition from corporations.
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"The money continues to flow in from special interests and the favors continue to flow out...," said Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for California Common Cause, a citizens' group that has campaigned for years for a public financing system. (continued)

Firms' donations to LAPD spur concerns: Gifts create a pay-to-play perception that the rich can buy better service than the poor, critics say. Bratton denies any impropriety.
By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, April 15, 2007

Corporations and business groups donated more than $417,000 in cash and equipment in the last year to the Los Angeles Police Department to help pay for investigations and services that directly benefited them, records show.
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"This runs counter to the notion that public safety is provided equally to all and not just those rich enough to afford it," said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause. "Our police are not a private security force, and therefore police services should be funded by the public and not private interests that stand to benefit directly." (continued)

Council Ponders Publicly Financed Election Bids
Lynne Bronstein, Santa Monica Mirror April 14, 2007

The Santa Monica City Council voted 5-1 to approve a motion recommending that the City hold a series of workshops on election reform, including, but not limited to, a plan for Santa Monica to hold publicly funded elections.
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Among those who sent representatives to speak in support of public financing were California Coalition For Clean Money, Common Cause, League of Women Voters, and a coalition of Santa Monica neighborhood organizations including Friends of Sunset Park and Ocean Park Organization. (continued)

Channels of influence
By Ned Wigglesworth, Capitol Weekly, April 12, 2007

The role of money in California politics is unrelenting.

Interest groups with deep pockets line the campaign accounts of candidates, parties and political committees in order to advance their agenda and elect candidates who view the world from their perspective. Hundreds of millions of dollars flow into California politics each election cycle through these channels. (continued)

Building influence: The Lewis Group of Companies is not only one of the region's top developers, it's also one of its top political contributors
By Jason Newell, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, April 8, 2007

Take a drive through inland Southern California, and it's almost impossible to miss the signature of the Lewises.
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Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause, a Sacramento- based group that first called attention to the Diamond Bar funding, said Miller's actions fall within an ethical gray area.

"He's a congressman - that's part of his job, to fight for federal dollars in Washington," Wigglesworth said. "But the actions he has taken have not benefited just the community at large. Many of the dollars that Miller has brought back here have benefited his campaign contributor and business partner." (continued)

College diverted funds to campaign: In their zeal to raise money, City College officials blurred ethics lines in 2005 bond election -- and appear to have broken the law
By Lance Williams, San Francisco Chronicle, April 6, 2007

An administrator at City College of San Francisco steered a $10,000 rent payment owed to the college into the campaign coffers of a political committee promoting a City College bond measure, public records show.
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Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for the good-government group California Common Cause, said the donation "reeks of intentional evasion of the law." (continued)

Primary provides platform for change
By Brian Joseph, The Orange County Register, March 25, 2007

State officials say they moved the presidential primary to make California a bigger player in national politics, but that wasn't their only reason.
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In actuality, few expect that if redistricting overhauls pass it suddenly will make all legislative districts competitive. "Much of California doesn't lend itself to competitive districts," including Orange County, said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause. (continued)

Elected Officials and Community Leaders Attend Second Clean Money - Clean Cities Conference
March 24, 2007

SAN JOSE - San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Santa Cruz County Treasurer Fred Keeley, and other elected officials joined over 100 city officials, community leaders and activists from throughout Northern California for a one-day conference reviewing the benefits of Clean Money publicly financed systems for elections and how local governments are using Clean Money systems.

The conference, held in the San Jose City Hall, is the second of two Clean Money - Clean Cities conferences conducted by the California Clean Money Campaign and California Common Cause, with co-host the League of Women Voters of California. Another conference took place in Pasadena on March 15th. Attendees heard not only from elected officials about the destructive effects of money on our political process and democracy, but also from experts on campaign finance reform, costs of municipal campaigning, administering public funding systems, and spearheading Clean Money efforts in Portland, OR, Albuquerque, NM and throughout Northern California.

Fred Keeley, Santa Cruz County Treasurer and former state Assemblymember said, "As someone who has served in both local and state governments, I am aware of the corrosive effect that exists between political contributions and policymaking. The cure for that is to have as much public financing as is possible."

Eric G. Griego, Assistant Secretary of Economic Development and former City Councilmember in Albuquerque, New Mexico followed that up by saying, "As a former local elected official, I have seen how big money from special interests has been an impediment to reform. I know how necessary a Clean Money system is to end the destructive effects of money on our political process."

"After the incredible attendance at the first conference, we are excited to be in San Jose to meet with elected officials and local leaders. It is critical to continue the process of educating people about the need for a Clean Money system in California state and city elections. Activists, political insiders, business leaders, and regular voters are frustrated and disappointed by our current system; more and more a Clean Money system is seen as the answer to those frustrations." said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of the California Clean Money Campaign.

Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause added, "Our cities, our state, and our country depend on effective elected leaders, but when you force public servants to operate in a system dominated and determined by the power and influence of money you shortchange everyone. A Clean Money system puts voters, not big money, in the driver's seat."

Governor seeks new fundraising limits
By Matthew Yi, San Francisco Chronicle, March 16, 2007

Sacramento - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, redefining his position on overhauling campaign finance laws, said Thursday that lawmakers should not be allowed to raise funds as they consider a crush of bills at the end of their session and the governor should not be allowed to raise money during the late-summer bill-signing period.
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"The governor's desire may be sincere, but this proposal will have little to no impact on the influence of the special-interest money in Sacramento," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for the California Common Cause.

A more effective reform will be to either lower contribution limits, improve campaign disclosure rules or institute publicly financed campaigns, Wigglesworth said. (continued)

Reading the green
By Cosmo Garvin, Capitol Weekly, March 15th, 2007

A Joe Coto fundraiser being held on the same day, and at the same location, as a symposium on education is blurring the line between political funding and nonprofit education efforts.
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"The blurriness is at the intersection of campaign-finance law and federal tax law," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause. Best-case scenario: "Coto is being opportunistic in his fundraising" said Wigglesworth.

Worst-case scenario: The foundation is using taxpayer money to subsidize the fundraiser. "If somehow the foundation is paying for a round of golf, that's a political contribution." And that's prohibited by federal law. (continued)

Roadblocks to redistricting
By Steven Harmon, MediaNews, March 10, 2007

SACRAMENTO - Assembly Speaker Fabian Nu`ñez insists he will produce redistricting reform this year, taking away the authority to draw political boundaries from the Legislature and giving it to a new independent commission. But roadblocks put up by his own party may test his optimism just as he begins to put pieces in place.
(…)
Legislators want to be seen as "doing something to clean up their image," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause, "and doing something that makes government more accountable and responsive to the needs of voters." (continued)

Lobbyists Set for More Scrutiny
By Evan Mclaughlin, Voice of San Diego, March 8, 2007

Jim Sutton lobbies for lobbyists. Just who those lobbyists are is a mystery to viewers of the city clerk's online lobbyist registry, even though Sutton voluntarily attaches their names to a form he must file with the city four times a year.
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"I don't think it's a perfect law -- no law is -- but on balance it is a way to let the sunshine in," said Simon Mayeski, a member of California Common Cause, which advocates for open government. "It will allow me to know who lobbies who, and that's important to me as a member of the public." (Full Article)

Redistricting bump?
By Shane Goldmacher, Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert, March 7, 2007

Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez, joining with Senate leader Don Perata, told Politico that he will not support redistricting reform if it includes congressional seats.
(…)
But a spokesman for Common Cause, who joined with Nuñez at a press conference announcing a redistricting plan last month, said he was sympathetic to the Assembly speaker's concerns but said it was important to include Congress.

"Our strong preference is that an independent commission draws the districts for both the Legislature and Congress," said Ned Wigglesworth of Common Cause. "The reasons to reform redistricting are present almost equally for Congress. It's still putting the interests of politicians ahead of voters if you don't go ahead with an independent commission." (continued)

Schwarzenegger campaign workers get state jobs, big raises
By Jordan Rau, Los Angeles Times, March 5, 2007

SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, once a critic of patronage in government, has rewarded 29 aides from his reelection campaign with state jobs, promotions and hefty raises.
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"There is a risk that the raises are public subsidies for a job well done on the 2006 campaign, with taxpayers picking up the tab for what otherwise should be campaign expenses," said Ned Wigglesworth, the policy advocate for California Common Cause, a nonpartisan watchdog group. (continued)

Initiative targets districts: Proposed ballot measure would give redistricting power to citizens panel.
By Jim Sanders, Sacramento Bee, Fabruary 27, 2007

Authority to draw California's political districts would be stripped from the Legislature and given to an 11-member citizens commission under a proposed initiative unveiled Monday.
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"Hopefully, people will see it as part of the conversation and part of the process for putting meaningful redistricting reform before the voters," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. (continued)

$99 adds up to anonymity for Lodi campaign donors
By Matt Brown, Lodi News-Sentinel, February 24, 2007

When John Johnson ran for Lodi City Council for the first time in 2006, he knew he needed contributions to fund his campaign. He knew he had to ask people for money.
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"This is a scheme to evade the campaign disclosure laws," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause, an organization that lobbies for open government. "It shows the limits of the disclosure laws and it undermines the intent of the laws." (continued)

Campaign funds under scrutiny
By Terri Hardy, Sacramento Bee, February 20, 2007

Sacramento is looking to close several loopholes in its campaign finance code, including banning candidates from spending public funds on out-of-state travel and giving the cash to their own business or family member.
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"If these issues are of such concern, if the council is taking time to address them, we wonder why they aren't willing to abide by the same rules," Fuller said. (continued)

Reform efforts raise questions among the wary: Critics ask whether term limit, redistricting plans are for the good of the public or the powerful
By Steven Harmon, Medianews, February 18, 2007

Sacramento - While seeking to extend term limits, lawmakers have tried to avoid being seen as self-serving by swaddling it in a broader good-government reform movement.
(…)
Nunez must follow through quickly on his promise to pursue redistricting, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause, if he wants to gain the public's trust on term limits.

"If they smell a rat, they'll turn out in droves against it," Wigglesworth said. "If the Legislature is looking for some cover to term limits from redistricting reform, they have to put something legitimately independent out there."

Wigglesworth, however, doesn't buy the theory that Democrats won't have the incentive to vote for a redistricting measure just because the term limits carrot has been removed.

"Now redistricting is more possible," he said. "Democrats will now see (term limits) as a real deal, with the (California Teachers Association) and the chamber behind it. They'll be more likely to give some ground on redistricting knowing they'll get something on term limits." (continued)

FBI inquires about Rep. Gary Miller's land sales to Fontana
By Ben Goad, The Press-Enterprise, February 17, 2007

A Southern California congressman accused of improperly avoiding taxes on a series of land deals in Fontana and elsewhere said he has done nothing wrong and described the allegations as an attempt by Democrats and the media to sully his name.
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"It sounds like a sweetheart deal for the local congressman," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for watchdog group California Common Cause. "If he used his position as congressman to pressure local officials, that undermines the credibility and integrity of his office."
(…)
While factually correct, the letters could be perceived as misleading, Wigglesworth, the policy advocate, said.

"It sounds like a fig leaf," he said. "It sounds purposefully drafted to provide a fig leaf of cover in absence of the city's intent to use eminent domain."

Beyond that, the letters are evidence that Miller received special treatment because of his office, said Wigglesworth and Bob Stern, president of the nonpartisan Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles. (continued)

A surge in contributions: The timing of industry donations to the state Assembly's new Insurance Committee chairman suggests early notice of the appointment.
By Brian Joseph, Orange County Register, February 16, 2007

Sacramento - During his first two years in the Legislature, Assemblyman Joe Coto, D-San Jose, showed no interest in insurance.
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"My sense of the insurance industry is if there's a practice to leverage power and influence, they're doing it," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for the good government organization California Common Cause.

Wigglesworth told me the timing of Coto's contributions suggests the insurance industry could have learned early that he was getting the job. That would give the industry a green light to contribute while deflecting criticism that Coto was being paid off. (continued)

Miller, developer too cozy?: Congressman's proposals for 2005 bill would have aided Lewis Corp.
By Fred Ortega and Gary Scott, San Bernardino County Sun, February 15, 2007

In the first months of 2005, Rep. Gary Miller, R-Diamond Bar, recommended three provisions be added to a major transportation bill moving through the House of Representatives.
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"It is understandable for a congressman to try to steer federal funds to his district," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate with California Common Cause, which first raised concerns about Miller's earmarks for the Diamond Bar improvements in 2005. "But when those actions financially benefit the congressman's business partner and campaign donor, it raises questions about the integrity of the decisions made in the appropriations process." (continued)

Governor names Johnson as chairman of FPPC
By John Hill, Sacramento Bee, February 15, 2007

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed longtime Republican legislator Ross Johnson on Wednesday as chairman of the state's political watchdog, the Fair Political Practices Commission.
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One immediate decision facing the commission under Johnson will be whether to pursue an appeal of a court decision overturning an FPPC regulation on how much politicians can raise for ballot measure committees they control, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. An FPPC regulation held that individuals were limited to contributions of $22,300 to such committees by the terms of Proposition 34, passed by voters in 2000. But that regulation, challenged by a business group that promoted initiatives backed by Schwarzenegger in 2005, was overturned by a Superior Court judge. "They have a decision on their plate," Wigglesworth said.

The FPPC in recent years has faced a backlog of complaints and been forced to drop some low-level misconduct cases as the result of high turnover and a shrinking staff. "It would be great if Ross Johnson could wave his magic wand and get adequate funding for the FPPC," Wigglesworth said. But he may be no better positioned than his predecessor, Liane Randolph, to fix those problems, he said.

Still, Johnson "is a guy who appears to have significant respect for the campaign finance law of California and seems like he'd be well-positioned to protect it," Wigglesworth said. (continued)

Schwarzenegger names former senator as chief campaign enforcer
By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, February 14, 2007

Sacramento - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger named a former state legislator Wednesday as California's chief campaign watchdog and appointed two key members of his administration to high-paying jobs on government boards.
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The appointments won praise from Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for the campaign reform group California Common Cause.

"We will watch closely to ensure they are sincere in their efforts to uphold California's campaign finance laws," he said. "We have some faith they will do that." (continued)

Assembly lawmakers head to Napa, foothills for annual retreats
By Samantha Young, Associated Press, February 6, 2007

NAPA, Calif. - Assembly Democrats convened this week for their annual policy retreat, choosing a luxury resort renowned for its world-class golf course in the heart of California's wine country.
(…)
Neg Wigglesworth, a policy advocate at California's Common Cause, said corporate donors with business before the state indirectly paid for the Democrats' retreat through donations to the Democratic Party and to Nunez.

"A lot of the cash he has in that account came from corporate cash," Wigglesworth said.
(…)
Wigglesworth acknowledged that such retreats can be beneficial.

"It helps to get some perspective away from Sacramento," he said. "Whether that perspective requires going to a country club is uncertain." (continued)

Núñez reaches out to broker deal between tribes, labor
By Matthew Yi, San Francisco Chronicle, February 3, 2007

Sacramento - Just a few months after Indian gaming tribes poured money into campaigns opposing Democratic candidates, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez is reaching out to tribal leaders to find a compromise on compacts that would usher in a huge expansion of gambling in California.
(…)
"This is an issue that might expose the fault lines underlying the cozy relationship between the governor and the speaker," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause. (continued)

California Assembly Democrats Propose Redistricting Reform Ideas
By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, February 1, 2007

Sacramento - Assembly Democrats on Thursday proposed broad principles under which legislators would give up drawing their own districts and turn that powerful duty over to an 11-member commission.
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Ned Wigglesworth, a lobbyist for California Common Cause, a citizens group that has supported past efforts to change redistricting, said Nunez's principles were a step in the right direction.

"We're getting closer," he added, standing with Nunez during the news conference.

But he said the way commissioners are selected would be "key to our final analysis" of whether to support any redistricting plan worked out by lawmakers.

Legislators, he added, should have only a limited role in picking the commissioners - one in which lawmakers would "weed out bad apples ... that might undermine the integrity or independence or objectives of the commission." (continued)

Remapping not tied to term limits, Núñez says
By Aurelio Rojas, Sacramento Bee, February 1, 2007

Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez on Thursday pledged to move forward on changing how California draws its legislative voting lines -- even if efforts to relax term limits fail. "This issue stands on its very own," Núñez said at a Capitol news conference where he announced a set of broad principles on how Assembly Democrats plan to reform the redistricting process.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, an advocate for California Common Cause, said an independent commission should be "free from legislative control."

"The Legislature should have little or no direct involvement in selecting commissioners," Wigglesworth said. (continued)

Assembly speaker open to redistricting overhaul
By Steven Harmon, MEDIANEWS, February 1, 2007

Sacramento - Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez insisted Thursday that he is ready to hand over the Legislature's power to draw political boundaries to an independent commission, casting the battle over reform as a test of whether lawmakers can trust citizens to remake the political landscape.
(…)
"Well, we're getting closer," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. "The selection process is going to be key to our final analysis. We believe an independent citizens commission, free from legislative control, is best suited to ensure a fair drawing of the lines."

He said the Legislature could play a role in weeding out "bad apples" among applicants for the commission. (continued)

Perata takes health care fight to the air
By Anthony York, Capitol Weekly, January 23, 2007

Sen. Don Perata launched an early salvo this week in the air war to revamp California's health care system. But his pre-emptive strike does more than just push health care reform: It exploits a campaign loophole that allows the Senate leader to continue to raise money in unlimited sums, and get his face on television without restrictions from California's campaign finance laws.
(...)
But Common Cause's Ned Wigglesworth says while technically legal, and not uncommon, these types of issue advocacy committees controlled by candidates are meant to skirt fundraising restrictions.

"It's a way around the contribution limits," he says. "It's certainly against the spirit of Proposition 34 … They are essentially slush funds with no limit on how they raise money and very little limit on how they spend it."  (continued)

Legislature to take long look at governor's vision for state: Schwarzenegger's plan to address issues such as health care, budget deficit may rekindle partisan fury
By Steven Harmon, MediaNews, January 14, 2007

SACRAMENTO - So, now that he's handed it off to the Legislature, what will become of Gov. A rnold Schwarzenegger's grand vision for the state?
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Redistricting

Once again, some Democratic legislators -- including Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles -- claim they support giving away their power to draw political boundaries to an independent commission.
(…)
Good government groups believe the public's growing desire for change -- and having Schwarzenegger at the bully pulpit -- will finally force legislators' hands. More important, Democratic self-interest could be involved.

"Most people," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for Common Cause of California, "think Democrats locked themselves out of some Congressional gains with their last redistricting." (continued)

Green presence felt, but governor absent: Inaugural bash stresses environment, though Schwarzenegger a no-show

By Steven Harmon, MediaNews, January 5, 2007

Brown hires wife to be unpaid aide

By Shane Goldmacher, Sacramento Bee, January 4, 2007

Health interests pour in money: Donors Won't Sway State Overhaul, Says Schwarzenegger

By Mike Zapler, San Jose Mercury News, December 25, 2006

California Ruling on campaign disclosure: Tribes can be sued for late gift reports

By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, December 22, 2006

Governor Seeking Private Donations for Inauguration

Jenny O'Mara, KPBS, December 18, 2006

Gov. Planning Two-Day Inauguration Event

NBC11, December 18, 2006

Lawmakers Want Audit Of CHP Contracts: Allegations Of Overseas Trips, Perks

By Nannette Miranda, ABC7 News, December 18, 2006

Investigative Report: CHP contracts: The favored few: Agency chiefs received perks from vendors that got preferential status

By John Hill, Sacramento Bee, December 17, 2006

Charges Of Racism Follow Bogus Badge Case In Sacto

NBC11, December 15, 2006

Governor's Inauguration Plans Stirring Controversy: Black Tie Gala Planned For Next Month

KCRA3, December 13, 2006

California's Redistricting

KQED, Forum, December 11, 2006

Term limits remain huge lament at Capitol: Departure of legislative veterans makes way for big freshman class.

By Judy Lin, Sacramento Bee, December 11, 2006

Court voids donation limits on ballot measure funds

By Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, December 9, 2006

Appeals court blocks donation limits Schwarzenegger opposed

By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, December 8, 2006

Schwarzenegger proposes creating citizen panel to draw voting districts: Schwarzenegger's third proposal for political remapping would let local elections officials select a citizen panel to shape boundaries.

By Peter Nicholas, Los Angeles Times, December 6, 2006

Governor backs redistricting plan

Bee Capitol Bureau, Sacramento Bee, December 5, 2006

Governor pitches redistricting plan

By Harrison Sheppard and Steve Geissinger, San Jose Mercury News, December 5, 2006

Governor Revives Redistricting Reform Plan: Similar Idea Earlier Rejected By State's Voters

KCRA3, December 5, 2006

Lawmakers finally accept 2005 pay raise plus 2006's

KGET, November 27, 2006

Bakersfield - An about-face for seven state lawmakers who declined a pay raise granted in late 2005, but now said they will take that pay hike plus another approved this year starting next week.
(…)
“In this case, the issue is slightly different. Lawmakers made what voters thought was a promise not to accept pay raises, and then after they were safely elected, took the pay,” said California Common Cause policy advocate Ned Wigglesworth. (continued/link to video)

Broad agenda planned for 2007

By Kate Folmar and Mike Zapler, Mercury News, November 27, 2006

..."We're going to push redistricting reform through the Legislature if possible,'' said Ned Wigglesworth of California Common Cause. "If that doesn't work, we'll consider the initiative process.'' (continued)

Bowen plans upgrades to Cal-Access

By Malcolm Maclachlan, Capitol Weekly, November 23, 2006

The knock on our democracy is that it's too much like an auction. Incoming Secretary of State Debra Bowen said she wants to counter pay-for-play government by making campaign finances as easy to search as eBay.

While Cal-Access isn't ideal, it's far better than the "ridiculous" Federal Elections Commission Web site, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. (continued)

Schwarzenegger hands former staffers plum jobs

By Aaron C. Davis, Associated Press, November 17, 2006

Sacramento - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger doled out high-paying and prestigious state jobs this year to dozens of outgoing members of his administration, including six-figure salaries for posts he once said were a waste of taxpayer money and should be eliminated.

“Schwarzenegger promised to clean up and streamline the bureaucracy that is California government,” said Ned Wigglesworth, spokesman for California Common Cause. “Now he's stacking the deck with his folks, and they're making a pretty penny off taxpayers in the process. We're disappointed comparing the rhetoric to the reality.” (continued)

Capitol Notebook: Times Sacramento Bureau: The Week in Review

Compiled by Steven Harmon and Alvie Lindsay, San Jose Mercury News, November 12, 2006

…A few foreboding trends emerged in the campaign, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause.

"With cost cutting in newsrooms, we have fewer journalists able to cover the issues," Wigglesworth said. "And voters are being asked to vote on an increasing number of issues that are increasingly more complex. Voters are becoming increasingly apathetic, which makes it harder to reach them. So, the advantage goes to people with a ton of money who can buy TV ads to put their perspective before the voters." (continued)

Deep pockets carry the day: Big spenders, notably oil and tobacco firms, were also big winners.

By Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, November 9, 2006

Money didn't just talk in Tuesday's election. It screamed.

The year's biggest spenders - and biggest winners - were the oil and tobacco "Money buys your way into office," said Ned Wigglesworth of California Common Cause," which turns representative democracy on its head. (continued)

Voters back all 5 public works bonds: The $37-billion package had bipartisan backing. Tax levies on oil and cigarettes falter.

By Evan Halper and Jenifer Warren, Los Angeles Times, November 8, 2006

Sacramento - California voters were poised to approve $37 billion in borrowing for a panoply of public works projects, according to unofficial election returns Tuesday but were rejecting proposals to expand government programs through new taxes on cigarettes and oil companies.

"The process has been converted from the people's process into a system in which public policy is up for sale," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate at Common Cause. (continued)

War chests crushed my TV!: Proposition 87 foes buy bulk.

By Scott Collins, Los Angeles Times, November 6, 2006

Californians have suffered another barrage of political TV ads this season, but none has been more pervasive than those for and against Prop. 87.
(…)
"The more something is on TV, the more credibility and legitimacy it has with the public," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. "It's a public venue."
(…)
The tens of millions that Prop. 87 forces have poured into the system have raised ad rates across the board, Wigglesworth said, and helped drown out messages from cash-strapped individual candidates in tight races. (continued)

$2.87m pours into race: Parra outspends Gilmore, $1.4m to $725,000, for Assembly seat.

By By Tim Sheehan, Fresno Bee, November 4, 2006

Political contributions from across the state are fueling a spending spree in the 30th Assembly District scramble to lure voters in the final days before Tuesday's election.
(…)
To California Common Cause, a voter-advocacy group, the money being thrown around in the 30th Assembly District is an example of what is wrong with politics.

"This race epitomizes the dash for cash that California elections have become," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause in Sacramento. "It's unfortunate that money is playing such a large role in this race."

Particularly in a rural district, "campaign donors have primacy over voters," Wigglesworth said. "Instead of two candidates really taking on issues in the district, they're engaging in an all-out battle royale of negative ads, and it's all being paid for by people who won't even be represented by them. ... It really distorts the process."

Both political parties are exercising clout given to them by Proposition 34, approved by California voters in 2000. "The ostensible aim was to clean up campaign financing a little bit," Wigglesworth said. "But what it really did was redirect money to candidates through the parties."

Prop. 34 placed limits on how much money individuals can give to candidates, but there are few caps on donations to political parties and no limit on a party's gifts to candidates.

The result: "Parties have more control over the money, who runs for office and who's supported by the party," Wigglesworth said. "It hasn't done anything for the average voter in the 30th Assembly District or anywhere in California."
(…)
Wigglesworth said Common Cause supports campaign reform that aims to bring both independent expenditures and political contributions to candidates, parties and political action committees under control. It is backing Proposition 89 on Tuesday's ballot, which includes limits on political contributions and voluntary public campaign financing.

"If we shift the focus away from money and donors, voters will see much more of the candidates at events like debates and forums instead of on TV," Wigglesworth said. "It will improve the nature of the discourse and, eventually, the quality of the candidates and of representation."

Flurry of supportive mailers catches campaigns off guard

By Tanya Rose and Erin Sherbert, Contra Costa Times, November 4, 2006

Just days before the Tuesday election, a blizzard of glossy mailers has hit mailboxes in Concord and Brentwood, supporting a handful of candidates, paid for by the nebulously named East Bay Business Coalition.
(…)
It's a rather small investment, especially in a region such as Brentwood, where there are vast development opportunities, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause, a nonpartisan citizens advocacy group.

"The development industry in California is a multibillion dollar industry," Wigglesworth said. "When you look at a couple hundred thousand in one local race, it's really a drop in the bucket compared to what is at stake." (continued)

Feinstein Sounds Off On Deceptive Mailer: Says She Was Not Consulted

By Lilian Kim, ABC7, KGO - TV, November 3, 2006

By strict definition, it may or may not be a dirty trick, but would anyone argue it's a trick to mail people a flyer called "a Voter Information Guide for Democrats"? And that most Democrats don't want? It's coming from a San Fernando Valley consulting firm. Some Democrats are livid.
(…)
Levine is a self-described lifelong Democrat and says the mailer reflects his personal opinion based on years of experience. Not, he says, a result of the amount of money he received from individual campaigns.

But the political watchdog group, Common Cause, doubts that. Especially since campaign finance records show Levine collected $300,000 dollars from oil companies campaigning against Prop. 87 and $75,000 dollars from tobacco companies opposing the cigarette tax.

Ned Wigglesworth, Common Cause: "Party affiliation, political philosophy, public interest, doesn't matter. All have been sold down into making a quick buck."
(…)
And that's why Common Cause says it's crucial that you read the fine print on any election material. Many are misleading, but they keep their mailers legal with asterisks and disclaimers. (continued/video)

Parties use county, state committees to skirt donation caps

By Shane Goldmacher, Capitol Weekly, November 2, 2006

Democrats and Republicans, legally exploiting a loophole in California law, have funneled more than $10 million in oversized contributions through a network of county and state committees to skirt around voter-approved contribution limits.
(…)
"It's obvious that these guys are gaming the system," said Ned Wigglesworth of Common Cause. "The effect of contribution limits is severely limited by such tactics." (continued)

Confused voters get one last reprieve

By Kristen Munson, Palo Alto Daily News, November 2, 2006

Santa Clara County voters will have 86 candidates to choose from for state and local offices on the Nov. 7 ballot, excluding those in their own city council races. Tack on 13 state propositions and charged political advertisements funded by special interest groups and there's bound to be some confusion.
(…)
But the Cupertino Library is offering one last opportunity for voters to sort through the 13 initiatives without bias at a forum it's sponsoring Saturday at the Community Hall.
"When voters feel confused they overwhelmingly vote no," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for Common Cause. "Voters are increasingly throwing up their hands. ... The sheer number of issues this year combined with all the candidates make it very difficult for the average Californian to do the research necessary to make an informed decision."
This gives the ballot initiative opponents an advantage, Wigglesworth said.
But that hasn't prevented initiative proponents from plunking down money to secure an affirmative vote.
Advertising rates are costly, running $4-5 million a week for a slot, Wigglesworth said. But both sides are offering misleading information, he warned.
"The deepest pocket has a huge advantage," he said. "I think that people are turned off by ads, but that hasn't dissuaded campaigns from running them."
Groups simply advertise more to get their message across, he said.
"So voters are just bombarded with ads until we're worn down," Wigglesworth said. "It does appear that confusion reigns." (continued)

Schwarzenegger on Track to Break Fundraising Records

By Marcey Brightwell, News 10, KXTV, November 2, 2006

Gov. Schwarzenegger rode into office waving a broom, promising to sweep the State Capitol clean of special interests. But three year later, Schwarzenegger is on track to break all previous fundraising records after accepting record amounts of special interest donations.

"It's a ton of cash," said Ned Wigglesworth, spokesman for California Common Cause, a government watchdog group. "Money has always been important in California politics, but under Gov. Schwarzenegger it's fair to say that it plays a more central role than it ever has."
(…)
"He used rhetoric about ending special interest influence to get into office," Wigglesworth said. "It appears once in office, he made a dramatic U-turn and raised over $100 million dollars, and now we don't hear about it anymore." (continued)

Money Milestone In Governor's Race: Schwarzenegger Tops $100 Million

By Nannette Miranda, ABC7, KGO - TV, November 2, 2006

A milestone in the race for governor. Governor Schwarzenegger has now raised more than $100 million dollars for his re-election campaign. He was in Oakland today stumping for five bond measures he's backing on the ballot next week.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, California Common Cause: "It's a ton of cash. It completely cuts against the rhetoric that we got from Schwarzenegger during the recall." (continued)

Pleasanton to evaluate computer-issue policy after e-mail controversy

By Meera Pal, Contra Costa Times, November 1, 2006

Pleasanton - A city policy to issue office equipment for council members' home use has come into question, as the Alameda County District Attorney determines whether the mayor violated state law by using her home-based city computer for campaign purposes.
(…)
Whether the city computer is located at a council members' home or in a city office does not change the law, said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for Common Cause. The Sacramento-based nonpartisan and nonprofit organization promotes open, honest and accountable government.
"If a government decides that its elected officials should have public equipment at home to do their jobs, then it is the responsibility of the public official not to cross the line and use the public equipment for personal or campaign purposes," Wigglesworth said. (continued)

AP Enterprise: Schwarzenegger donations top $113 million

By Steve Lawrence, Associated Press, November 1, 2006

Sacramento - When he ran for governor during the 2003 recall election, Arnold Schwarzenegger described the Capitol as a place where "special interests have a stranglehold. The money comes in, favors go out, the people lose."
(…)
"Money has always been important in California politics," said Ned Wigglesworth, a spokesman for California Common Cause, a campaign reform group. "But I think it's fair to say that under Schwarzenegger's watch it's become even more dominant than it was in the past. That's not just Schwarzenegger. That's the Legislature - Democrat and Republican alike."
Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 89, the measure on Tuesday's ballot that would authorize public financing for state candidates who give up most campaign contributions. But Wigglesworth said the governor could have pushed for legislation tightening campaign contribution limits.
"He could have made campaign finance reform the cornerstone of his governorship," Wigglesworth said. "He really had a chance to be an incredible reformer who brought power back to the people and restored some decency and fairness to Sacramento. But he didn't. It's a tremendous lost opportunity." (continued)

KCRA 3 Investigates: Problems Found With Committee That Backs Angelides Irregularities Involve Incorporation, Information Disclosure

KCRA, October 30, 2006

Sacramento - A political watchdog group is calling for the state to launch an investigation into millions of dollars spent on political ads supporting Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, a member of a political watchdog group called Common Cause, said giving a false address allows a group to "fly beneath the radar". "It enables you to control a committee ... without voters finding out about it, and have an influence and an impact on the election without the voters knowing that your fingerprints are on the committee's actions," Wigglesworth said.
(…)
"And in this case, with just a short time remaining before the election, it's important for California voters and for the integrity of the elections process that they find out who the corporate officers are," Wigglesworth said.
Without that information, Wigglesworth said, voters are being deprived of their right to know.
"Some governmental agency, whether it's the (Fair Political Practices Commission) or it's the secretary of state's office, needs to look into this to ensure that this committee is in full compliance with its reporting obligations," Wigglesworth said. (continued/link to video)

Angelides owes much of his success to Sacramento land developer

By Juliet Williams, Associated Press, October 30, 2006

Sacramento - After their only debate earlier this month, Democrat Phil Angelides introduced Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to a special friend, a diminutive Greek immigrant who had been sitting near the front, center stage.
(…)
The family's collective contributions to Angelides and the Democratic Party constitute the greatest level of support from one entity any candidate has received in a single race, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy director for California Common Cause, a political watchdog group.
Only Hollywood producer Stephen Bing has given more, about $40 million in favor of Proposition 87, an initiative that would tax instate oil production.
"I don't know of any single bigger spender at the state level in the U.S. - for one year, for one race," Wigglesworth said.
(…)
The friendship has proven enormously beneficial for Angelides in his political life, too. During last spring's Democratic primary, Tsakopoulos and his daughter, AKT president Eleni Tsakopoulos-Kounalakis, contributed $8.7 million to fund an Angelides counter-attack against Westly.
"It's conventional wisdom that the money spent by the Tsakopoulos campaign decided the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial primary. It doesn't get much more influential than that," Wigglesworth said. (continued)

Lockyer not tough enough for some: Critics say the attorney general, now running for treasurer, has failed to diligently prosecute corrupt officials. He defends his record.

By Paul Pringle,Los Angeles Times, October 29, 2006

Energy companies, loggers and automakers have felt the wrath of California Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer. So have sexual predators and civil rights violators.
But fellow politicians suspected of corruption? Not so much.
(…)
Court's organization and California Common Cause were disappointed that Lockyer did not file criminal charges against former Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush and former California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley, both of whom resigned amid allegations that they had diverted tax money to political purposes and otherwise abused their offices. Quackenbush and Shelley said they did nothing illegal.
(…)
Common Cause policy advocate Ned Wigglesworth said the attorney general's statements that corruption investigations turned up insufficient evidence can sound like a "convenient out," especially because the office does not disclose the findings in detail.
"The public becomes cynical," Wigglesworth said. (continued)

Statewide fundraising hits record $550 million for '06

By Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, October 28, 2006

Sacramento - California's political fundraising has topped $550 million this year, easily shattering the record, as oil and tobacco companies spend vast sums to defeat two ballot measures.
(…)
"A half-billion dollars hasn't gotten California any closer to solving any of its challenges," said Ned Wigglesworth of California Common Cause. "It has been a great investment in voter apathy and the bottom line for big political donors." (continued)

Pleasanton mayor's race: Challenger defends Web site contentions

By Meera Pal, Contra Costa Times, October 27, 2006

Pleasanton - As election day approaches, accusations continue to fly between candidates and their supporters in the race for Pleasanton Mayor.
(…)
Ethically speaking, there is nothing wrong with putting Brozosky's council title on his Web site, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate with Common Cause. The Sacramento-based, non-partisan and non-profit organization promotes open, honest and accountable government.
"Merely noting that he is a council member on his Web site it not a problem," Wigglesworth said. "If he is using time and taxpayers' dollars to solicit business for himself, that's a problem." (continued)

$500 Million in Spending So Far Stuns Campaign Limit Supporters

By Tom Chorneau, San Francisco Chronicle, October 27, 2006

More than $500 million has been spent so far in the 2006 state election, a figure that shatters previous records and bewilders voters and advocates for changes in campaign finance law.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for Common Cause in Sacramento, pointed out that Prop. 34 was not a put on the ballot with the support of reformers -- but rather of lawmakers.
"Proposition 34 was not intended to get money out of the system," he said. "It was a placebo." (continued)

Bustamante Touts Diet Success In Ads

By Nannette Miranda, ABC Channel 7 News, October 27, 2006

The race for insurance commissioner has taken a bizarre turn. Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante wants the job and is hoping his high profile diet will help win your vote. But our ABC7 Listens Poll puts San Mateo County Republican Steve Poizner out in front among Bay Area voters who are mostly Democrats.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, California Common Cause: "Voters are stuck between a rock and a hard place on this. They're either going to choose between a rich guy trying to buy his way into office and a candidate who might be in the pocket of special interests." (continued/link to video)

Tribes rolling dice with Republicans

By John Simerman, Contra Costa Times, October 27, 2006

A handful of gaming tribes, jilted by Capitol Democrats over deals that would vastly expand their casino operations, are ladling millions of dollars on Republican candidates across the state.
(…)
"This is a statement, a warning shot," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause, which tracks campaign activity. "What the tribes are doing with this war chest is challenging labor and sending a message to the Democratic Party." (continued)

New rules would call for more disclosure

By Craig Gustafson,San Diego Union-Tribune, October 26, 2006

A proposal to tighten San Diego's lobbying law won praise yesterday from a City Council committee despite lobbyists' objections that it is too complex and would have a chilling effect on the profession.
(…)
“As a member of the public, I want to know - and I need to know - whenever money may be influencing legislation,” said Simon Mayeski, a volunteer with California Common Cause, a citizens watchdog group. “This proposal does this. It's really all about the money.” (continued)

Governor's Supreme Motive: Success: Political Twists, Turns Surprise Voters But Fit Pattern

By Kate Folmar, Mercury News, October 25, 3006

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became an icon by personifying machismo, isn't much inclined toward public introspection. But he does relish a strongman parable.
(…)
“Governor Schwarzenegger has not just pioneered new fundraising techniques and shattered records, but has also inspired millions in outside spending by his business allies,'' said Ned Wigglesworth of California Common Cause. “None of which has put the California voter back in charge, as promised.” (continued)

Diaz Account Raises Doubts: Some Suspect Donations To His Bid In Past Are Used In His New Race

By Deborah Lohse, Mercury News, October 23, 2006

San Jose City Council candidate Manny Diaz lost his race for state Senate more than two years ago. So why did more than a dozen individuals or companies contribute up to $3,200 each to his Friends of Manny Diaz Senate account earlier this year?

Some campaign watchers, including Diaz's political opponent Sam Liccardo, suspect Diaz is using those donations as an indirect funding source for his current campaign. That raises questions, they say, about whether Diaz has found a loophole to avoid the $250-per-donor limits that San Jose otherwise imposes on city council candidates.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth of California Common Cause said the question remains whether ''this is Diaz and his donors using a back door to put more money into his city council race than the donors otherwise would be allowed to give.'' (continued)

Outside money fuels incumbent campaigns in San Juan: Practice of outsider money raises questions among advocates, candidates

By John Mcdonald, The Orange County Register, October 20, 2006

San Juan Capistrano - Both City Council members up for re-election in November reported in disclosures filed this month that most of their big contributors came from outside the city.
(…)
Ned Wigglesworth, a spokesman for Common Cause California, a non-partisan, nonprofit citizens lobbying group, said the outsider contributions raise questions. "The net result of this style of fund raising is to give greater influence to those who live outside San Juan Capistrano than to the folks who live in the city." (continued)

Mayor Dumps Head of City Panel: Javier Nuñez, president of the L.A. Building and Safety Commission, was said to have received special treatment on his construction projects

By Patrick McGreevy, Los Angeles Times, October 18, 2006

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has removed the president of the Los Angeles Building and Safety Commission two months after it was reported that Javier Nuñez was one of nine current and former city commissioners who received special treatment from building officials for construction projects.
(…)
The decision to remove Nuñez was welcomed by Kathay Feng, executive director of the nonprofit watchdog group California Common Cause. "It sends a positive signal that [the mayor] takes ethics seriously," Feng said.  (continued)

Controversial New Ad Encourages People Not To Vote: Advertisement is a battle against uninformed voters

By Serene Branson, CBS 13 News, October 17, 2006

Sacramento - With such a voluminous voting guide, it can be hard to really be informed on all the issues. But a new ad raises the question: is it better not to vote at all if you don't really know what you're voting on?
(…)
“When people go to the polls uniformed special interests benefit politicians are free to ignore voters needs and views and cater to whims of big donors,” says Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate with California Common Cause, a non-profit, non-partisan citizens group.

But he says if you know every issue down to the t, or simply vote by ethnicity, gender or along party lines, the most important thing is getting to the ballot box.

“Politicians are like kids. If you're not there to watch them to make sure they're not putting their hands in the cookie jar, you get chunky politicians and no cookies,” he says. (link to video)

California To Pay Back Misspent Election Funds: State Gets Bill For $3 Million Dollars

By Nannette Miranda, ABC7 News, October 16, 2006

California became the first state to have to reimburse the federal government for misspending election funds. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission sent the final bill today.

State leaders will now have to find nearly $3 million dollars in the budget to pay back the federal government for misspent election money. The California secretary of state says it's money that should be spent on education and roads.
(…)
One watchdog group today applauded the fed's firm stand.

Ned Wigglesworth, California Common Cause: "The system is actually working. We found the politician who was trying to use taxpayer dollars to push his own career. And now it's up to the people of California to push to get the three million back from Kevin Shelley." (continued/link to video)

Yes folks, it bites back: Blogging leaves Rexroad huffing from accusations

By Josh Fernandez, Daily Democrat, October 15, 2006

The Web, once again, is proving to be both a deadly weapon and a politician's best friend, depending on what day it is and who's blogging.

The Internet has been buzzing lately with more Matt Rexroad accusations, specifically his political consulting firm being under fire for what some bloggers are saying is unethical maneuvering and cause to question the candidate's move for supervisor.

Ned Wigglesworth, a spokesman for the watchdog group California Common Cause, said Rexroad's firm is not the heart of the issue.
(…)
Wigglesworth said the complaint is unlikely to make it to court, despite it having been filed with the Fair Practice Commission.

"The FPPC is an overburdened and underfunded state agency," Wigglesworth said. "It's not going anywhere."

Wigglesworth said the most troublesome aspect of the issue doesn't involve Rexroad at all.

The heart of the issue lies in the tribal donation to the Republican party, Wigglesworth said. (continued)

3 Southland Congressional Seats Safe, Despite Ethics Issues: The GOP lawmakers are expected to win despite questions.

By Christian Berthelsen, Los Angeles Times, October 14, 2006

Ethics scandals around the nation have rendered Republican members of Congress vulnerable and buoyed Democrats hoping to unseat them.

Except in Southern California.

Democrats need to pick up 15 seats to regain control of Congress, a prospect that political watchers say is realistic for the first time this decade.

But three Southern California Republicans with legal and ethical troubles of their own - including being named among the "most corrupt members of Congress" by the public interest group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington - are expected to coast to reelection in November.

The public-interest group is the same one that provided the FBI with e-mails it obtained of Rep. Mark Foley's correspondence with congressional pages.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands) is accused of earmarking hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars for the clients of a lobbyist and close friend.

Rep. Gary Miller (R-Diamond Bar) is accused of using his position in Congress to help a business partner and campaign contributor gain access to a prime piece of public land and of sheltering millions of dollars in real estate investment gains from taxes.

Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona) is accused of earmarking millions of taxpayer dollars for transportation improvements near real estate developments in which he has a financial interest.

"They're not in competitive races; it's as simple as that," said Stuart Rothenberg, editor of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report. "There's no buzz around town about any of them."

Though Northern California has a pair of competitive races, most of the action will again be far from the nation's most populous state - Ohio, Pennsylvania and the northeast, most notably. Because California has some of the most heavily gerrymandered electoral districts in the country, members hold almost insurmountable voter registration advantages of 15 to 20 percentage points.

"That these congressmen face no serious challenge despite the questions about their ethics highlights the problems with gerrymandered districts," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause, which has unsuccessfully pushed to reform how districts are drawn in California. "Gerrymandered districts drain competition out of the electoral system and undermine the accountability which is necessary for a functioning, healthy democracy." (continued)

Nonprofit with close ties to mayor names backers: SF Connect at first limited disclosure of contributors' IDs

By Cecilia M. Vega, San Francisco Chronicle, October 11, 2006

A San Francisco nonprofit with close ties to Mayor Gavin Newsom disclosed its list of donors Tuesday after initially refusing to live up to its promise to be transparent.
(…)
SF Connect was started by Newsom staffers as a spin-off of a Newsom administration program, Project Homeless Connect, which delivers services to the homeless. But local politicians and government watchdog groups have raised concerns about the appearance that people could curry favor when they donate unlimited funds to a group so closely linked to an elected official.
(…)
Laws strictly limit nonprofit participation in political activities. Nonprofit fundraising, however, has less stringent disclosure requirements than political campaigns. Any nonprofit with close ties to an elected official has an ethical obligation to disclose the names of its donors, said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for the government watchdog group California Common Cause.

"Even if there's no legal requirement to disclose, the voters still have a right to know which donors are contributing to an organization which is affiliated with their mayor," he said. "This is another avenue of influence for donors looking to curry favors." ('Orphan' Initiatives Left to Fail: Bankrollers stopped giving to Prop. 88 because of inadequate support. Abandoned measures are crippled.

By Evan Halper, Los Angeles Times, October 11, 2006

SACRAMENTO - It must have seemed like a good way for two politically connected Silicon Valley millionaires to donate a slice of their fortunes: bankroll a campaign for a $50 annual property tax to help fund schools.
(…)
Normally, talk of the kind of grass-roots campaign Cabaldon mentioned would impress the campaign finance reform advocates at Common Cause, who say the entire initiative process has been tainted by special-interest cash. In this case, however, they are not encouraged.

Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate with the organization, said he looks at the initiative and sees another "wealthy interest abandoning a ballot measure they spent millions to put there."

"It just reinforces the widespread perception that this is no longer a people's process," he said. "It contributes to the clutter and eventually to voter apathy." (continued)

Oil Tax Initiative Shatters Fundraising Record

By Marcey Brightwell, KXTV, News 10 Sacramento, October 10, 2006

The battle over Proposition 87 set a new fundraising record this week with contributions now topping $100 million. Oil companies are the largest contributors, donating more than $58 million to the opposing campaign.

However, most of the financial support for Prop 87 has come from a single source, Hollywood movie producer Stephen Bing. The media mogul has given $40 million dollars to the Proposition 87 effort.
(…)
Campaign finance reform advocates say the Prop 87 fundraising levels illustrate why the initiative fundraising process needs change.

"It's a ton of money, and it just shows how out of whack the California initiative process is," said Ned Wigglesworth, spokesman for Common Cause, an organization that promotes open government. "The only groups that can compete in what is supposed to be the people's initiative process are those who can afford $50 million." (continued)

Foes unite to fight 89: Opposition to the 'clean money' campaign initiative, with strict contribution limits, has created odd bedfellows

By Steven Harmon, Media news, October 9, 2006

Sacramento - The odd alliance opposing Proposition 89, the "clean money" initiative, illustrates what proponents say is the problem in state politics: Big-money interests are so vested in the system that even the most extreme opposites -- like the state teacher's union and the state's biggest business advocate -- will join forces to keep the status quo.
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But while corporations have provided the bulk of financial backing to the opposition, the merging of forces between left and right -- unions and businesses, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los Angeles, and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- has exposed how the measure has threatened entrenched interests, said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause.

"Democrats and Republicans alike are hooked on campaign cash, making it possible for a handful of interests to keep both parties on a fairly short leash," Wigglesworth said. "This means the public interest often takes a back seat to the wish list of big donors, whether it's a bloated contract for the prison guards union, an expansion of Indian gaming compacts or the passage of a bill like the cable bill, done to benefit one particular company."
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Opponents charge that the initiative would be ripe for abuse because of the relatively low threshold for accepting public financing. Candidates seeking a legislative office would be required to collect only 750 $5 contributions to be eligible for $250,000 from the state for a primary election and $400,000 for the general election. The threshold for the gubernatorial race is steeper: 25,000 $5 contributions are required to get $15 million in the primary and $60 million in the general election.

"Cottage industries will be created where somebody will figure a way to get 750 signatures and there will be a $250,000 pot of gold at the end," said Tony Quinn, editor of California Target Book and a former GOP lawmaker who opposes the measure. "You put all that money for people who aren't very serious about getting elected, and you have a recipe for abuse."

That's a red herring, said Common Cause's Wigglesworth.

"Getting $5 is more difficult than signatures," he said. "Someone has to actually convince you and present viewpoints. It requires a greater level of involvement for both the contributor and candidate. But the tricky part is setting that threshold right so you can allow people in the system but not the crazies and schemers. (continued)

Oil tax fight becomes state's most expensive initiative campaign

By Samantha Young and Noaki Schwartz, Associated Press, October 9, 2006

Sacramento - In any other year, a $60 million opposition campaign fueled by a deep-pockets industry would spell nearly certain doom for a California ballot initiative.

It still might. But the fight over Proposition 87, the oil-production tax, could be different. The infusion of $40 million by a Hollywood producer has given environmentalists pushing the initiative the financial firepower to respond punch-for-punch to the global petroleum companies that oppose it.

The battle over the so-called oil tax has become the costliest initiative campaign in California history and has led to a flood of television advertising throughout the state.

Hollywood producer Stephen Bing has given most of the money to support the initiative, a little more than $40 million. It is the largest donation by an individual to an initiative in state history, according to California Common Cause, which tracks campaign activity.
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"The dueling sides get caught up in a tit-for-tat, and it's sort of like an arms race in advertising," Ned Wigglesworth, California Common Cause policy advocate. "These ads are not educating voters and they are not contributing to the fashioning of sound public policy."(continued)

Gubernatorial Race Candidates debate on tax policy: Schwarzenegger, Angelides also spar on college costs in only meeting of campaign

By Carla Marinucci and Tom Chorneau, San Francisco Chronicle, October 8, 2006

Democrat Phil Angelides entered Saturday's one and only debate with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger needing an overwhelming performance. While the state treasurer, by most accounts, delivered a good showing -- in the end, it may not have been enough to close the gap with a month to go in the contest for governor.
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Leaders of the public advocacy group California Common Cause criticized the one-hour discussion between two major candidates in the nation's most populous state as simply not enough time to provide sufficient information for voters to make a choice.

"How can we expect voters to take elections seriously when the candidates don't take us seriously?'' said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for the organization. (continued)

Ads Aid Casino Backers After Tribe Gift to GOP: Republican legislators had pushed a bid to let the Agua Caliente build another gaming facility.

By Dan Morain, Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2006

Sacramento - A wealthy Indian tribe gave $450,000 to the Republican Party of Riverside County, which then launched an advertising blitz that has benefited two GOP lawmakers who were seeking to help the tribe expand its Palm Springs gambling operations.

State Sen. Jim Battin (R-La Quinta) and his protege, Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City), led the effort to pass legislation in August that would have let the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians build a third casino in the area.
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Ned Wigglesworth of the nonprofit watchdog group California Common Cause in Sacramento, called the situation "pay to play at its finest."

"Even though we will likely never know whether Garcia or Battin traded their office for campaign cash or consulting fees, this looks bad enough to put both politicians in hot water with the voters," he said. (continued)

Governor's generous appointees: Many help deliver $1.7 million toward re-election campaign

By Tom Chorneau, San Francisco Chronicle, October 7, 2006

Sacramento -- Since taking office three years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has made more than a thousand appointments to state boards and commissions, and now many of those appointees are helping the governor's re-election by generating $1.7 million to his campaign.
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Some critics also point out that Schwarzenegger is taking money from people who sit on boards and commissions that he once targeted for elimination as part of his now-abandoned 2004 proposal to overhaul state government.

"It's the same old story of money coming in and favors going out," said Ned Wigglesworth, spokesman for California Common Cause.

"There's a lack of public confidence in the process when voters see campaign donors in positions of power," he said. "Schwarzenegger recognized this in the 2003 recall and campaigned against it -- but now, instead of reforming the bureaucracy, he's exploiting it as a spoils system." (continued)

Gov. Courts Black Clergy With Aid From Prop. 49: Aides urge ministers to apply for money under Schwarzenegger's Prop. 49. The approach may lure voters, but some pastors are skeptical.

By Peter Nicholas, Los Angeles Times, October 7, 2006

Sacramento - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is using the same after-school aid program that was a springboard for his political career to boost his reelection chances, schooling black churches in how to secure millions of dollars in state funds.
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"It sounds like it's walking right up to the line of buying endorsements with public money," said Ned Wigglesworth, policy advocate for California Common Cause. "It sounds like Gov. Schwarzenegger is trying to smooth the way for approval.

"When Arnold Schwarzenegger went to the voters in 2002 and asked them to vote for Prop. 49 after-school funds," Wigglesworth said, "voters had no idea these funds might later be used to facilitate Schwarzenegger's reelection candidacy in 2006. What you have is a public figure using the ballot measure process to create a pot of public money that they then use to pursue their own political agenda." (continued)

Funding shatters election records: But some say cash is turning off voters

By Harrison Sheppard, Daily News, October 6, 2006

With a month still left before the election, this year's ballot measures have already shattered fundraising records as wealthy corporate interests dig deep to fight billions of dollars in potential new taxes.

And in the governor's race - where the two candidates face off in their first and only debate at 6 tonight - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger already enjoys a comfortable margin in public opinion polls and also maintains a spending edge over state Treasurer Phil Angelides, according to new finance reports.
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"As campaign spending records have fallen by the wayside, voter participation has plummeted," said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause. "The massive amounts of political spending have not led to a more engaged and educated electorate, but to a disengaged and marginalized electorate." (continued)

Propositions debated for voters: UCLA School of Law holds Hot Topics, Cold Facts: Forum to explore upcoming ballot issues

By Alexa Vaughn, Daily Bruin, October 5, 2006

In an attempt to make the topics of 13 propositions on the Nov. 7 ballot memorable enough for the public to vote on, the UCLA School of Law hosted a "Hot Topics, Cold Facts" forum to discuss each proposition.

State Assembly members, professors, lawyers and representatives of various organizations were invited to take part in the controlled debate to educate the public on both sides of each issue, said Kathay Feng, director of voter advocate group Common Cause, which co-sponsored the event.

Feng encouraged students to be educated and vote on all of the propositions.

"Many first-time voters experience shock when they step into the booth and see how many things there are to vote for," Feng said. "Then they turn in a ballot that's mostly blank, and that's a shame."

Feng also said if young voters want to see campaigns geared more toward them, they must first improve their turnout, which has remained low year after year.

Ryan Dunn, a student in the UCLA School of Public Affairs and the UCLA School of Law, said he came to watch the debate knowing nothing except what he had seen on TV in campaign ads.

"I want to hear more than what I get from ads on television," Dunn said. "Hearing about these issues from people that are directly invested in it and how they respond to things off the cuff is a lot more interesting too. I will definitely research all them and have a sample ballot ready for election day."

The rest of the state will also be able to access and listen to the debate, Feng said.

The event was filmed and will be available on DVD in mid-October. (continued)

Another View -- Yes on 89: Give regular voters a stronger voice

By Ned Wigglesworth, Sacramento Bee, October 5, 2006

Legislature represents special interests instead of its constituents? Wonder why California government can't get its act together to address our crumbling levees, underperforming schools or skyrocketing health costs? Proposition 89 offers voters a golden opportunity to take back government from the special interests and lobbyists and stop political corruption in the Capitol.

Not even the opposition denies the problem: Campaign money has conquered California government. Cash-rich gaming tribes, a few big labor unions, developers and big corporate interests such as oil and pharmaceutical companies spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year to elect their favored candidates and push their political agendas, all at the expense of the consumers, small-business owners and middle-class families of California.

In return for their investment, these special interests get tax breaks, sweetheart contracts and favorable legislation worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, nothing is done to limit skyrocketing health insurance costs, to improve the quality of our schools or to help solve the other challenges facing California.

Crafted carefully by some of the foremost constitution and election-law experts in California, Proposition 89 would attack the problem head-on with strict new limits on political contributions to candidates, parties and so-called independent committees operated by corporations, unions, gaming tribes and trial lawyers alike. Lobbyists and state contractors would be barred from making contributions. The measure also would offer limited public funds to qualifying candidates who want to serve their constituents free from obligation to private donors. And there is tough disclosure and enforcement language to make sure participants play by the rules.

The result of the measure would be incredibly positive for all but a handful of the biggest political spenders in California. Regular people would have a bigger voice in the decisions and priorities of state government. Candidates would be judged on the strength of their ideas, not the size of their campaign accounts. Elected officials could be held accountable when placing the demands of their wealthy donors over the needs of their constituents.

In short, government in California could actually work again, which is why the League of Women Voters of California, California Common Cause and the California Clean Money Campaign all have endorsed the measure.

The list of Proposition 89 opponents reads like a Who's Who of special interests in California. Insurance companies, developers, lobbyists and the biggest labor union in the state have ganged up to defeat the measure. They likely will spend millions in their effort to derail reform.

The price tag on Proposition 89's publicly funded elections would be $200 million overall funded by a 0.2 percent corporate tax increase that would fall primarily on the wealthiest corporations in the state. This is a drop in the bucket compared to what special interests make in tax loopholes, sweetheart contracts and favorable legislation. That is why they spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year in lobbying and other political spending. From the cost-benefit perspective of the average voter, this one's a no-brainer: Ending the corrupt status quo would save taxpayers money.

In the end, Proposition 89 boils down to this: Should special interests own the Legislature or should the people of California? If your answer is the people of California, vote Yes on Proposition 89.

Mogul's network bankrolls Prop. 90: Web of advocacy groups funnels millions to pass property rights initiative

By Patrick Hoge, San Francisco Chronicle, October 5, 2006

A network of tax-exempt advocacy groups -- all with ties to a New York real estate investor -- is funneling millions of dollars to the campaign for a California property rights measure in a way that cloaks the identity and number of financial supporters.
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"A lot of times (the groups) are just used as part of an elaborate money-laundering scheme to hide the true involvement of donors,'' said Ned Wigglesworth, a policy advocate for California Common Cause. "Donors want to back an effort anonymously and make that very clear to the organizations they donate to and cater their donating accordingly." (continued)

Wealthy Casinos Give Indians Powerful Political Voice

By Nannette Miranda, ABC News, October 2, 2006

It was more power politics than pow-wow as the National Congress of American Indians annual convention got underway in Sacramento Monday.

Some newfound wealth from tribal casinos is giving Indians a new voice in politics.

Indian gaming has given California tribes a seat at the table when it comes to the game of politics.

Since 2001, the state's top six tribes have contributed more than $93 million dollars to various political causes and candidates.
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Watchdog groups like Common Cause say that has been a jackpot for politicians and has paid off for the tribes.
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Ned Wigglesworth, Common Cause: "Governor Schwarzenegger campaigned, in part, on the influence on gaming tribes here in California. Three years later, he turns around and introduces gaming compacts that would triple them in size." (continued/link to the video)

Questions on governor's big show: Amid criticism of two splashy signings for one bill, corporate funds pay some of the cost.

By Kevin Yamamura and Clea Benson, Sacramento Bee, September 29, 2006

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is using both corporate and campaign funds to defray the expense of his elaborate bill-signing ceremonies, a gubernatorial spokeswoman said Thursday.
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"Governor Schwarzenegger has the biggest soapbox in California," said Ned Wigglesworth, a California Common Cause policy advocate. "If he wants to promote a bill, he can certainly do so without paying exorbitant funds for huge television screens. He can go around the state and talk about a bill without tapping private donors." (continued)

Opponents of Prop 89 and Clean Money Weave a Tangled Web

By Ned Wigglesworth, California Common Cause, September 28, 2006

Prop 89, the Fair Elections and Clean Money Act on the California ballot this fall, promises sweeping changes in the way business gets done in Sacramento. (continued)

Proposition 89, The Clean Money and Fair Elections Act. Prop. 89

by JoAnn Fuller, California Common Cause, September 27, 2006

Political campaign fundraising is skyrocketing.

More and more Californians are feeling ignored by Sacramento policy makers. There is a solution on the November 7 ballot: Proposition 89, The Clean Money and Fair Elections Act. Prop. 89 would allow ordinary people to mount campaigns without having to depend on wealthy special interests to bankroll-and buy-their political platforms. (continued)

November's Election Could Be Most Expensive Ever

NBC11, September 25, 2006

Sacramento - NBC11 News reported next month's election could be the most expensive political campaign in California history.

Last year's special election generated roughly $300 million in campaign spending, but NBC11's Mike Luery reported next month's election will likely top that number. Luery reported that the latest campaign figures show Phil Angelides has raised some $16 million so far in his bid for governor.

Luery said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has collected twice that amount. When another $74 million raised for and against Proposition 86 and another $87 million that has been raised for and against Proposition 87 is thrown in, the math adds up to surpass $300 million.

Ned Wigglesworth tracks campaign spending on behalf of California Common Cause. He told NBC11 in today's political climate, voters feel less important than campaign donors.

Wigglesworth said, "The more money that gets spent, the less people feel that they are involved in the process, the less they show up. When you have a handful of special interests that are able to spend this much money on California politics, it's going to distort the laws under which we live, and it's certainly going to have a chilling effect on people showing up on Election Day." ( continued/link to video)