Angelides & Schwarzenegger Called On to Support Prop 89
Santa Monica, CA — Backers of campaign finance overhaul Proposition 89 called upon Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his challenger, State Treasurer Phil Angelides, to help fight back against special interest control of government by backing Proposition 89, the Clean Elections Initiative, on the November ballot.
The measure, which would smash big lobbyists’ influence with public financing of elections and tougher contribution limits, has drawn opposition from the wealthiest special interests in Sacramento, including the California Teachers Union, the Prison Guards Union and the state Chamber of Commerce.
“That these usually opposite forces are arm-in-arm against the measure shows its power to clean up politics,” said Jamie Court, president of FTCR. “Such opponents will pour money into the fight against Proposition 89, and it will be a test of Schwarzenegger and Angelides to resist special interest pressure to join the fight.”
The letter urges Angelides and Schwarzenegger “to take a stand against the power of special interests and lobbyists in California government, and endorse Yes on Proposition 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act.”
The letter states, “We have a crisis of corruption in our government today, marked by scandal after scandal and criminal investigations of politicians from both parties. It is time for California to clean up this corruption, and make politicians accountable to voters instead of big money donors.
“Proposition 89 levels the playing field so that our elections are more fair and competitive, and elect more diverse candidates on the strength of their ideas — not just their fundraising. It requires candidates to adhere to strict spending limits and reject special interest fundraising in order to qualify for public financing; it bans contributions by lobbyists and state contractors; and it includes strict enforcement mechanisms for politicians who break the law.
“The initiative has already been endorsed by the League of Women Voters and Common Cause, as well as individuals and groups around the state. Will you join us in this fight?”
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