Who's Afraid of Campaign Finance Reform?

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Jul 11, 2006 - 02:00 PM

Who's Afraid of Campaign Finance Reform?

by Jamie Court

Arnold has always talked a good game about cleaning up cash register politics even as he has raised more campaign cash than any politician in California history. Now he has a chance to do something about the problem. Prop 89, on November's ballot, curbs the power of special interests and lobbyists by taking private money out of California politics. So where's Arnold? He always said he wanted to change the rules of the game.

Julie Soderlund, press secretary of Arnold Schwarzenegger's campaign,strongly hinted to NBC11 yesterday that the Gov opposed Prop 89. Why? It raises corporate income taxes a modest .2% (from 8.84% to 9.04%) so politicians won't have to kiss the butts of lobbyists and special interest groups for campaign cash. Of course, Solderlund was no doubt looking after her own back, since her salary comes from the more than $90 million Schwarzenegger has raised to date for his campaign committees.

In addition to leveling the playing field so candidates don't have to hustle for special interest cash, Prop 89 limits independent expenditures contributions by corporations, labor unions and every other group to $7500 total per election. Is that too tough for the tough guy Gov who didn't need anyone else's money?

Arnold, isn't it time to kick special interest butt, not kiss it?

ArnoldWatch is a project of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization. FTCR does not endorse or oppose candidates.