October 2022

Where does Campaign Money Really Come From?

Anyone who is involved in politics and political campaigns knows that all political money is monitored very closely.  The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) monitors all reporting from political parties in the state.  If there are irregularities, the FPPC can penalize (a fine) local agencies.  Occasionally the FPPC will penalize agencies for more egregious failings. Four of the 12 measures on the November ballot were placed there by the Legislature. According to Government Code Section 54964 it is illegal to use public funds to pass ballot measures.  Regardless of that law, as cities, counties and special districts campaign for their choices, a great deal of money is spent on information campaigns that don’t even pretend to be neutral. Professional campaign management firms are hired to conduct advance polling, draft the measures wording in positive term and generate media spots, mailings and other forms of political propaganda to influence voters.  Local prosecutors routinely refuse to go after their fellow politicians.

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.