Governor's (Arnie's) Fundraising Gambit Draws Ire

[kskiska]

Governor's fund-raising gambit draws ire
One of new committees isn't covered by contribution caps, has nearly $200,000

Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has established two new fund-raising committees, including one that is not subject to any campaign finance restrictions.

The just-created California Recovery Team committee already has taken in nearly $200,000, mostly in large contributions that exceed the $21,200 limit on contributions to a governor.

Because it is set up as a lobbying committee and is not specifically designed to help Schwarzenegger get re-elected, there are no limits on contributions.

The committee is designed to finance "grassroots lobbying" efforts such as public rallies and letter-writing campaigns. Schwarzenegger has said he wants to "go directly to the people" if lawmakers do not take action on his major proposals.

"It's designed to provide a platform for the governor to take his legislative and ballot measure priorities directly to the public -- through appearances, earned media events and perhaps even paid advertising," Schwarzenegger political adviser Marty Wilson told the Associated Press.

more…
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/01/03/BAGRC431AE1.DTL

[revcarol]

1. California Edison biggest contributor...

next insurance companies...no conflict of interest there, nosiree!!

[madforffingyears]

2. This is not a problem

We have nearly all rich liberals on our side and they just need to get together and donate the billions needed to put a good Dem back in charge . How hard can it be to remove a corrupt dictator like Arnold from office? Let's get the recall petition out there now! What is the hold up???

[twilight]

4. difficult when you are up against the BFEE

... and don't forget it! There is a recall effort going on but how successful it is I haven't a clue. Sickening, I agree!!!

:mad:



:dem: :kick:

[madforffingyears]

6. Screw the BFEE

They were not elected and should be considered rogue. Expose every one of the far right hacks that are destroying our freedoms one by one.

[w4rma]

11. The problem is the wealthy liberals don't make their money back if we win

but these neo-con corporate contributors DO make their money back and usually MAKE money if they are successful.

[twilight]

3. I'll bet Safeway is on the list too ...

One way or the other I'd be that Safeway is in on this whole scam. I continue to boycott Safeway for allowing recall petitioners to be in front of their stores! So much for their innocent grocery store image. They are nothing but political neocon shills with crappy meat to go with the image!

:dem: :kick:

[Webster Green]

5. I'm not a huge Safeway fan, but.......

The fact that they allowed the gathering of signatures in support of the recall, doesn't mean they were pushing a particular agenda.
Safeway also has no problem with anyone setting up to gather signatures for progressive ballot initiatives in front of their stores. I did not support the recall, but the activists had every right to gather signatures, and I would hate to see that kind of activity curtailed.
Even if Safeway wanted to stop activists from gathering signatures, I believe it has been found to be legal, and I'm not sure they can prevent it. In my experience working on prop 215 (medical marijuana),
retailers allow it (even Wal-Mart). Some want you to let them know what you are doing, or may have you fill out a form, assign you to a certain area etc., but it goes on just about everywhere.
There are plenty of reasons to boycott Safeway, but allowing recall petitioners in front of their stores isn't one of them.

[twilight]

7. it is if they harrass you!

I was practically lynched leaving their neocon store. They are one of the biggest contributors to the BFEE. They sicken me!

:dem: :kick:

[Webster Green]

8. If you were harrassed by the activists.............

That's a different story. I would have reported it to the manager of the Safeway you were visiting. Perhaps he would have asked them to behave or leave. Then, you would have actually accomplished something other than getting angry.

I hope you see my point about everyone being allowed to gather signatures being a good thing. There is a lot of traffic in and out of the stores, hence it is a valuable resource for progressive causes as well. If they were allowing right wing activists, and banning progressive activists, that would be a bad thing. OK?

[twilight]

9. I did!

I also turned them into the no on recall people. The manager of the store was also contacted by a very angry me! No one gives a damn when it comes to the mighty Gropenator!

However, as a side note, I will say that the level of discontent is growing rapidly. Once Ahnuld axes Medi-Cal, the dung will begin to fly!




:dem:

[Webster Green]

10. Actually.....

I was one of Arnold's biggest bad-mouthers, before, during and after the election. I don't think it is fair to balance the budget on the backs of the poor and disabled. I think he should have rolled back the vehicle license fee, but not all the way back. Maybe leave it at double the old rate, instead of triple. Sure, its a bite in the wallet, but it's once a year, and the money for services has to come from somewhere.

Recently, however, I am doing a turnaround. His idea for easing up on confinement and parole costs for non-violent offenders is right on. Davis should have done it a long time ago, but he was owned by the California corrections officer's union. As much as I hate to admit it, Arnold has the right idea. There is no reason to keep all these people confined for violating laws that are bullshit to start with. It costs the state a fortune and it is morally wrong.

[shanti]

12. safeway

is it true that it is owned by the mormons? i dislike shopping there because of their "club card" bs.

[david_vincent]

13. Largest landowners in the state of Florida

The Mormons. Purpose: beef cattle. Bet ya didn't know that!

[shanti]

14. no, i did not

ya learn something new every day! thanks for the info du'er! :hi:

[Big_Mike]

15. No, Safeway isn't owned by the Mormons...

That was Alpha-Beta.

[shanti]

16. alpha beta

wow, that's a blast from the past :-)