CA-Gov: polls and special interests dog Ahnold

[Carla in Ca]

There are poll numbers here, but I wanted you to see how Mr. "I don't take special interests money", well, takes special interest money!




Ahnold is not being helped by a steady stream of stories that note that, well, he is in fact beholden to the special interests.



Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is benefiting from millions of dollars raised by a network of tax-exempt groups without revealing that the money comes from major corporations with business before his office.

The groups are run by Schwarzenegger's closest political allies, who also represent some of California's biggest interest groups. Unlike the governor's many campaign funds, the nonprofits are not required to disclose their contributors and can accept unlimited amounts.

One group controlled by a powerful corporate consultant pays the $6,000-a-month rent on a Sacramento hotel suite used by the governor, who is a multimillionaire. Others have funded media events and political rallies featuring Schwarzenegger and helped pay for his foreign travel. So far, five tax-exempt groups aiding Schwarzenegger have collected $3 million.

Other elected officials also raise money through nonprofit groups. But Schwarzenegger campaigned on creating an open government answerable to the public. His use of the nonprofit groups has the opposite effect, ethics watchdogs said.


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[Oerdin]

1. I agree with McCain & Fennigold on this point.

Our system is fucked and wide open for abuse as long as rich people can buy the politicians they want. A bribe is when you give money to someone and demand a special favor or change in policy while large campaign donations are... giving someone money and asking for a special favor. :angry:

We need 100% government financing of elections, we need it legally written into TV broadcasters' licences that they provide free air time, and we need every contribution (hard, soft or other wise) strikely limited to $1000 per year. Be it a corporation, a person, or a union they should all face the same $1000 cap. I'm also sick of hearing Republicans claiming it's unfair to force the networks to run free campaign information. Those airwaves are 100% owned by the government and the corporations just leased them from the government. If they want to keep their licence to broadcast then they must comply with the FCC regulations so all we have to do is declare it is a legal requirement and they either comply or we lease the spectrum space to someone else.