http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_4565880Dreier spending excess funds to aid Republican campaignsBy Fred Ortega Staff Writer
For someone without much to worry about in the November election, David Dreier sure is spending a lot of money.
The senior congressman from Glendora, first elected a quarter-century ago, has a solid lead over two-time Democratic challenger Cynthia Rodriguez-Matthews in the race for the heavily Republican 26th District, according to one poll. Dreier has also maintained a squeaky clean profile amid the ethics scandals surrounding many of his GOP colleagues in the House.
Yet despite his seemingly comfortable position, Dreier has spent nearly $1.9 million this election cycle, outspending every other House incumbent in the state with the exception of embattled Congressman Richard Pombo, R-Tracy. snip
Preservation of power is likely the driving force behind Dreier's generosity, said Cerrell.
"What he wants to do is ensure that he is going to be called `Mr. Chairman' at the first of the year," said Cerrell, referring to Dreier's position at the head of the influential House Rules Committee. "He is making a lot of people indebted to him so they don't challenge his chairmanship. It is done in both political parties."