San Francisco Chronicle/San Jose Spotlight: Special Interests Spend Big In Silicon Valley Congressional Race

02.22.2024 / By B. Sakura Cannestra
San Francisco Chronicle/San Jose Spotlight: Special Interests Spend Big In Silicon Valley Congressional Race

Sean McMorris, transparency, ethics and accountability program manager for California Common Cause, said super PACs are likely spending more in this race because it's an open seat. McMorris added that even if there's no coordination between candidates and the super PACs, these groups support candidates who they think would best protect the groups' interests. "It sends a strong message," McMorris told San Jose Spotlight. "They're hoping in one way or another that the candidate feels some type of obligation toward them once they're in office and with that obligation, that opens doors potentially for them to get access and influence over the candidate once they're actually seated." McMorris said looking at a super PAC's donors lets voters see which special interests support certain candidates. "At a minimum, they don't want to make any enemies," McMorris said. "All these special interests are fighting to get the person who -- out of all those candidates -- is going to be the most beneficial to them."

Sean McMorris, transparency, ethics and accountability program manager for California Common Cause, said super PACs are likely spending more in this race because it’s an open seat. McMorris added that even if there’s no coordination between candidates and the super PACs, these groups support candidates who they think would best protect the groups’ interests.

“It sends a strong message,” McMorris told San Jose Spotlight. “They’re hoping in one way or another that the candidate feels some type of obligation toward them once they’re in office and with that obligation, that opens doors potentially for them to get access and influence over the candidate once they’re actually seated.”

McMorris said looking at a super PAC’s donors lets voters see which special interests support certain candidates.

“At a minimum, they don’t want to make any enemies,” McMorris said. “All these special interests are fighting to get the person who — out of all those candidates — is going to be the most beneficial to them.”

If an advertisement says it’s not paid for or endorsed by the candidate, McMorris told San Jose Spotlight he recommends voters be critical of the ad because it’s coming from a super PAC. He said the advertisement’s messaging could also indicate what groups want out of candidates, and suggested voters do some research about candidates and the super PACs.

 

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