Los Angeles Times (2/10): Gov.'s Allies Test Curb on Fundraising

[Jack Rabbit]

From the Los Angeles Times
Dated Thursday February 10

Gov.`s Allies Test Curb on Fundraising
A lawsuit argues the state should not limit donations to a group funding initiatives to alter government even if Schwarzenegger runs it.
By Robert Salladay, Times Staff Writer

SACRAMENTO — Allies of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger went to court Wednesday, arguing that he has a constitutional right to raise unlimited amounts of money to advance his causes.

A group promoting Schwarzenegger's agenda for transforming state government filed suit in Sacramento County Superior Court against state campaign finance officials. The lawsuit said Schwarzenegger should be allowed to control the group's work and raise as much money as he wants for their efforts.

Under current regulations, Schwarzenegger must remain independent of the group, which has been holding fundraising events throughout the state and considering ballot initiatives to implement his proposals. If Schwarzenegger controls their actions, strict fundraising limits kick in for the committee, which is called Citizens to Save California.

The lawsuit tacitly acknowledges that the committee cannot do its work without Schwarzenegger directing its actions and controlling how its money is spent. The suit follows complaints filed with the state by a watchdog group this week that alleged that Schwarzenegger was skirting the regulations.

He has been raising money for Citizens to Save California, appearing at its events and, according to committee members, sending signals to them about what he wants.

Schwarzenegger has said he is not "controlling" the group.

Read more.

[laheina]

1. Question

Why don't spending limits apply to ballot committees? What issues are involved with making this happen?