A political watchdog group called Tuesday for a state investigation
into Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez’s channeling of corporate charitable
funds through a nonprofit group to bankroll civic events that featured
him.

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights said the fundraising
by the Los Angeles Democrat — totaling more than $250,000 — was a
facade to promote himself in 2005 and 2006 while evading the state’s
campaign contribution limits.

Núñez denied any wrongdoing in connection with the civic events,
which ranged from a toy drive to a youth conference that carried his
name.

"People in my district expect me to do things to help them, especially
if it’s something that’s going to help poor children," he said.

The Fair Political Practices Commission
said it received the complaint Tuesday but did not formally accept the
document because it was missing a required element. It is expected to
be refiled soon.