Who is ReFund California?

A new group called the ReFund California Coalition is actively organizing on California's university campuses as part of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

They're asking the University of California Regents, California State University Trustees and other political and corporate leaders to sign the Refund California Pledge.

The problem is NOT that California's taxes are too low.  The problem is that California has a structural deficit that cannot be solved by raising taxes on a small percentage of taxpayers.

Never mind that California ALREADY has the nation's second highest marginal tax rate.

Never mind that the top wage earners ALREADY pay significantly higher effective income tax rates than the majority of other Californians. Never mind that California ALREADY treats capital gains just like ordinary income (part of the so-called "Buffett Test").

Never mind that the vast majority of California's income tax revenues (94%) comes from just 33% of taxpayers while the other 67% contribute just 6%.

Never mind that most of California's General Fund also comes from just 33% of taxpayers while the other 67% of taxpayers contributes just 3%.  If unions understand one thing, it's the power of mobs.

Never mind that, for all of the class warfare rhetoric about "The 99%" and "The 1%", the top 1% of California taxpayers pays 42% of all income taxes, at over three times the average tax rate, but have less than 1% of the voting power.

Never mind that "The 1%" by themselves contribute 24% of California's entire General Fund.

Never mind that, despite all the budget cuts due to our smaller economy, education still receives the lion's share of revenue, as it should.

Their motives are probably clearer if you see the group's URL, www.makebankspaycalifornia.com, and some of the site images.

If the ReFund California wants to fight corruption in the U.S. financial system and its too cozy relationship with cronies in national and state government, then I'm with you.  However, many of Refund California's strategies are seemingly misguided and counterproductive.  City squares in Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are a LONG WAY from the seat of real power and corruption in Washington, D.C.  Likewise California's campuses.

Who are the ReFund California Coalition?  According the group's web site, ReFund California consists of the following organizations, many listed only by acronyms.

Let's explore these organizations and see who they are.

AFT 1521

• AFT 1521 is the American Federation of Teachers, Los Angeles College Faculty Guild.
• The American Federation of Teachers has been pushing to increase the top marginal income tax rate for California's top income earners, despite that California already has one of the most income-progressive tax systems in the nation.  A whopping 94% of California's income taxes are paid by just a 33% minority of taxpayers. See also, "American Federation of Teachers: Part of the Solution or Part of the Problem?".

• Nationally, the American Federation of Teachers is the #11 top political spender with 91% of their member's funds going to one political party.

Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE)

• The group was previously part of ACORN, but changed its name (see this and this) after the scandal-plagued national organization lost access to federal funding.
• SEIU and ACORN have had a long financial relationship.
• ACORN has had a long history working against banks.  Ironically, many partially blame ACORN's supposedly well-intentioned push for subprime loans to unqualified, low-income borrows as one of the many driving forces behind the subprime mortgage crisis.

California Calls

Includes ...

• Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE) from Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, mentioned above.
• Communities for a New California

California Partnership

Includes ...

• California Immigrant Policy Center
• Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights in Los Angeles
• Libreria de Pueblo
• LIFETIME
• Parent Voices
• PUEBLO
• SEIU 721 (see below)
• Service, Immigrant Rights & Education Network (SIREN)

Clean Carwash Campaign

California Nurses Association

• Part of National Nurses United, who includes nurses as part of the taxpayer-funded Veteran Affairs medical system.  See the video of their protest efforts.

Oakland Education Association

• Part of California Teachers Association (CTA).
• The California Teachers Association (CTA) is the #1 Top Spender in California politics, according to a March 2010 report by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).  It spends twice that of the next biggest spender, SEIU.

POWER

• People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER)

San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council

• An affiliate of the AFL-CIO

SEIU 1000

• Service Employees International Union, Local 1000
• SEIU is the #2 Top Spender in California politics, according to a March 2010 report by the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).
• SEIU is the #5 Top Spender in national politics, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, who tracks campaign spending.
• According to public campaign records, SEIU is the top spender nationally on 527 political action committees (PACs).
• Despite seemingly being against policies endorsed by the Obama Administration, SEIU has formally endorsed Obama for President 2012.  This should not be surprising, given that SEIU boasted of spending $60 million to elect President Obama in 2008.
• SEIU's Committee on Political Education (COPE) is know to fund shadowy organizations that aren't what they might appear to be.  One such example was the Tea Party-like group called The Patriot Majority, who campaigned against Senator Harry Reid's opponent in the 2010 Nevada Senate race.
• SEIU organizer Stephen Lerner is widely acknowledged as one of the key architects behind the Occupy Wall Street movement.
• Washington Post: Steven Lerner's Plan
• The Blaze: "We are heroes, who need to create a crisis": SEIU's Stephen Lerner at progressive summit tells unions, community organizers and students they need to escalate protests, break laws, occupy abandoned houses and spread the crisis all over U.S.
• The Blaze: Stephen Lerner doubles down on 'economic terrorism' plan in new op-ed
• Why is SEIU so anti-bank, especially against Bank of America?  Could it be that SEIU owed Bank of America lots of money?
• CNN/Money: What's really behind SEIU's Bank of America protests?
• New York Daily News: SEIU president Andy Stern has been bashing Bank of America - the same bank that gave union big loan

SEIU 1021

• Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 

SEIU 721

• Service Employees International Union, Local 721 representing Southern California Public Service Workers

SEIU ULTCW

• Service Employees International Union, representing United Long-Term Care Workers

SEIU USWW

• Service Employees International Union, Local 1877, representing United Service Wokers West

UAW 2865

• United Auto Workers, Local 2865
• Representing academic student employees at the University of California
• Few realize that the United Auto Workers also represents student employees--it's not just for auto workers anymore.
• For a group against government bailout of the banks, it is ironic that the UAW is protesting.  The UAW was one of the bigger beneficiaries of the federal government's multi-billion dollar bailout of General Motors in 2009.
• In the 2008 Presidential election, the students, faculty, and staff of the University of California were the single largest block of donors to Barack Obama.
• Nationally, the UAW is #17 on the top political spenders list.

UAW 4121

• United Auto Workers, Local 4121
• Representing academic student employees at the University of Washington

United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS)

The New Bottom Line

Includes ...

• National People's Action (NPA)
• People Improving Communities through Organizing (PICO National Network)
• Alliance for a Just Society (AJS)
• Right to the City Alliance
• Main Street Alliance
• Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE)
• Oregon Action
• Washington Community Action Network (Washington CAN) 
• Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) 
• People Acting in Community Together San Jose (PACT SJ) 
• Inland Congregations United for Change Inland Empire (ICUC) 
• Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) 
• L.A. Voice 
• People Improving Communities through Organizing California 
• Faith in Community (FIC - Fresno)
• Faith Action for Community Equity (FACE Hawaii)
• Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLANevada) 
• Colorado Progressive Coalition 
• Communities Creating Opportunity Missouri (CCO) 
• Harriet Tubman Center/ Michigan Organizing Collaborative Detroit 
• Lakeview Action Coalition Chicago 
• Grassroots Organizing Missouri (GROMO) 
• Illinois People's Action 
• Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Iowa CCI)
• Working in Neighborhoods Cincinnati (WINCincy)
• Communities United for Actions Cincinnati (CUFACincy)
• Take Action Minnesota 
• Federation of Congregations United to Serve Orlando (FOCUS) 
• Industrial Areas Foundation Southeast 
• Virginia Organizing 
• Voices Of Community Advocates & Leaders (VOCAL - NY)
• Brockton Interfaith Community (BIC - MA) 
• Brooklyn Congregations United (BCU) 
• Maine People's Alliance

American Federation of Teachers: Part of the Solution or Part of the Problem?

According to a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is pursuing  a possible ballot initiative to raise taxes YET AGAIN on California's millionaires. I certainly wish that the members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) would actually apply their math, economics, history, and critical reasoning skills. AFT is right. We do have a problem, but the problem is NOT that California's taxes are too low for upper-income earners.


First, a caveat: I am not now, nor have I ever been a "millionaire."  However, in 2007, 2008, and 2010, I spent more on federal, state, and payroll taxes than all my other family living expenses COMBINED!

California ALREADY has the second highest marginal tax rate (10.3%) in the nation. Only Hawaii has higher marginal rates (11%).  California's 2nd highest tax rate of 9.3% is the fourth highest in the nation behind Hawaii, California's top tax rate, and Oregon.  California's 2nd highest tax bracket starts at 48,000 in income.
http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/228.html

California's millionaires ALREADY pay a surtax supposedly to fund mental health services proving, I guess, that you must be crazy to be a millionaire and officially live in California.

California ALREADY implements President Obama's so-called "Buffett Test."  Capital gains in California are ALREADY taxed EXACTLY like ordinary income.

California's wealthy ALREADY pay the bulk of the state's income taxes.  The top 2% pay roughly HALF OF ALL PERSONAL INCOME TAXES (PIT).
http://soquelbythecreek.blogspot.com/2009/07/oppressive-progressive-income-tax.html

The top 33% minority ALREADY pays 94% of the entire Personal Income Tax load.  Meanwhile, the bottom two-thirds supermajority contributes JUST 6%. But who has more voting power to raise taxes on the minority?

Similarly, the 33% minority contributes more than half of California's General Fund revenue.

California's upper-income taxpayers ALREADY pay a much higher effective tax rate than do the majority of Californians.  I ask you, looking at the chart in the article below, who isn't paying their fair share?
http://soquelbythecreek.blogspot.com/2011/10/who-pays-their-fair-share-in-california.html

Even though a majority of Californians pay a lower state income tax rate than do a small minority, California's overall state tax burden is ALREADY one of the highest in the nation.

California's high taxes ALREADY places the state at or near the bottom on a variety of business climate surveys.  On one survey of 500 CEOs from around the country, California has ranked DEAD LAST as a place to do business since at least 2005!  In another survey, 70.5% of respondents ranked California as the least favorable business climate in the U.S.!
http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business
http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/topic/15.html
http://www.aboutdci.com/wp-content/themes/dci/docs/Winning-Strategies-2011.pdf (See Appendix C).

Is it any surprise then that California also has the nation's second-worst unemployment rate?
http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm

Of course, as part of the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) enjoys tremendous clout both in Sacramento and Washington, as does its cousin organization, the California Teachers Association (CTA).  The California Teachers Association (CTA) is the #1 top spender in California politics according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC).  CTA outspends the #2 top spender, SEIU, by almost double!
http://soquelbythecreek.blogspot.com/2011/02/do-public-employee-unions-have-major.html
http://www.fppc.ca.gov/reports/Report31110.pdf

AFT is #11 on the list of top all-time national political donors, giving 91% of their member's state-mandated contributions to Democrats, 0% to Republicans. Hmmm.
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/list.php?order=A

California's politicians kowtow to the unions.  Even fellow career Democrats like former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown recognize this.  As he stated in his article, "Jerry Brown won't challenge teachers union," ...
http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-02-27/bay-area/28635640_1_teachers-union-pensions-union-leaders

"No one knows the power of such unions in California better than Gov. Jerry Brown.

"You'll notice that even as he's proposed draconian cuts to health and welfare programs and the state's universities, and asked taxpayers to pony up extra for several more years, BROWN HAS BEEN CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH TEACHERS.

"HE KNOWS GOOD AND WELL WHAT THE CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION CAN DO FOR HIM - OR AGAINST HIM - IN AN ELECTION."

Here's the ironic part of the story.

• BOTH the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the California Teachers Association (CTA) are tax-exempt 501(c)(5) organizations, according to Form 990 disclosures on file with the U.S. Government and with Guidestar.org.
• BOTH the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the California Teachers Association (CTA) derive the majority of their revenues from state-mandated union dues, paid by hard-working public school teachers.
• This begs the next obvious question:  Who pays teachers' salaries?  Naturally, these come from the taxpayer.

Instead of using their political clout on REAL solutions, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is wasting their member's dues and our time on yet more non-solutions.  AFT, how about using your political clout on tax reform, spending reform, or pension reform?  For too long, organizations like AFT have blocked prudent reforms in California and in Washington.  Consequently, there are likely massive spending cuts coming as part of the Super Committee process, which likely means jobs cuts for AFT members and other public employees.  AFT, if you refuse to be part of the solution, then by definition, you become part of the problem.

A Fake Tea Party Group Appears in Nevada

[updated 24-OCT-2010]

While listening to The Jerry Doyle Show via the web from a Las Vegas radio station KDWN, I heard a political advertisement from a supposed Tea Party group against Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle and supporting another candidate named Scott Ashjian. The group called themselves The Patriot Majority PAC, which certainly sounds like a Tea Party organization. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, The Patriot Majority has spent over $831,000 against Sharron Angle as of October 15, 2010.

Here is an audio clip of the ad, although this one is slightly different than the one that I heard. This is the raw feed, including the preamble information probably used by the radio station.

Having never heard of the group, I searched for them on OpenSecrets.org. I found little available yet, except for a blog post, describing the organization (look for the group's logo). OpenSecrets.org also lists the independent expenditures so far. There is a well-funded 527 organization with a similar name with significant contributions in 2010 and 2008 from AFSCME and SEIU.

Okay, so now it's off to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) web site.

According to required financial disclosures, The Patriot Majority PAC received nearly $2 million as of 23-OCT-2010.

Looking through the FEC disclosures, I find the following major contributors of $10,000 or more.

1. SEIU Committee on Political Education (COPE): $400,000

2. American Federation of Teachers (AFT): $300,000

3. Guy David Gundlach: $300,000

4. MGM Resorts and MGM Mirage: $300,000

5. VoteVets.org Action Fund: $250,000

6. American Association for Justice (AAJ PAC): $100,000

7. Clean Energy Fuels Corporation: $75,000

8. Harrah's Operating Company: $75,000

9. Carpenter's Legislative Improvement Committee, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners: $60,000

10. San Pablo Lytton Casino (San Pablo, CA): $50,000

11. Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) PAC: $20,000

12. Sheet Metal Workers International PAC: $10,000

According to FEC filings, The Patriot Majority PAC "committee will not use those funds to make contributions, whether direct, in-kind, or via coordinated communications, to federal candidates or committees." It's funny how everybody aware of the system knows that this is baloney.

Let's look again at the major donors. More than a few are associated with major labor unions that are listed on the OpenSecrets.org list of major political donors, known as the Heavy Hitters list. Here are a few examples.

• Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is #11 on the Heavy Hitters list with 95% of their contributions going to Democrats.
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is #13 on the Heavy Hitters list with 98% of their contributions going to Democrats.
• American Association for Justice (AAJ) is #6 on the Heavy Hitters list with 90% of their contributions going to Democrats.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners is #12 on the Heavy Hitters list with 89% of their contributions going to Democrats.

What about individual donors? Do they primarily donate to Democrats?

• According to OpenSecrets.org, Guy David Gundlach, who gave $300,000 to The Patriot Majority, also gave $2,400 to Harry Reid's campaign (the maximum legally allowed) and $10,000 to the Democratic Party of Nevada. Harry Reid is the incumbent Senator in Nevada running against Sharron Angle. A person of the same name also gave $2,400 to Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, a Democrat, but the donation was from a California address. Likewise, Guy David Gundlach also gave $12,400 to the Reid Nevada Fund (see page 28, first contributor).
• According to OpenSecrets.org, VoteVets.org gives exclusively to Democrats in 2010 and primarily to Democrats in 2008.
• According to Influence Explorer, Clean Energy Fuels Corporation gives primarily to Republicans, but has supported Harry Reid.
• According to Influence Explorer, Harrah's Entertainment, which may be different than Harrah's Operating Company, is a major contributor to Harry Reid.
• According to Influence Explorer, MGM Mirage was a major donor to both Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, although their political contributions were fairly evenly balanced between parties.
• One strange member of the list is the San Pablo Lytton Casino in California, which is apparently part of the Lytton Rancheria Of California. I'm not sure what interest they have in this fight other than the casino owners obviously have connections to Nevada casinos.

I also looked up to see who owns the web domain for The Patriot Majority.

http://www.whois.net/whois/patriotmajority.us

The site is registered to "Craig Varoga" with an "independentstrategies.com" E-mail address. Craig Varoga is also the Treasurers name for the FEC filings. Who is Craig Varoga? According to the Independent Strategies web site ...

http://www.independentstrategies.com/page.php?id=94510

Craig Varoga is a national political strategist whose presidential experience includes managing former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack’s campaign for president, serving as national field director for retired Four Star General Wesley Clark, managing the Texas Truth Squad in 2000 and running the state-research program for the Clinton-Gore re-election. ... During the 1990s, Varoga served as communications director to Senator Harry Reid .... Partner at Varoga & Associates and founder of the Patriot Majority, Varoga writes a monthly column ("Ask the Campaign Doctor") for Campaigns & Elections magazine.

But still, who is Craig Varoga? According to a Michelle Malkin post from April, 2010.

Before them, it was Craig Varoga--a shady Democrat political operative and overseer of a convoluted, money-shuffling web of 527s. He launched TheTeaPartyisOver.org in January to target Republicans who supported the Tea Party movement and to prevent the "radical" and "dangerous" fiscal accountability agenda from "gaining legislative traction."

Joseph Abrams also wrote about Craig Varoga and friends back in February, 2010.

Here's how it works: What appears like a local groundswell is in fact the creation of two men -- Craig Varoga and George Rakis, Democratic Party strategists who have set up a number of so-called 527 groups, the non-profit election organizations that hammer on contentious issues (think Swift Boats, for example).

Varoga and Rakis keep a central mailing address in Washington, pulling in soft money contributions from unions and other well-padded sources to engage in what amounts to a legal laundering system. The money -- tens of millions of dollars -- gets circulated around to different states by the 527s, which pay for TV ads, Internet campaigns and lobbyist salaries, all while keeping the hands of the unions clean -- for the most part.

...

And this whitewash is entirely legal, say election law experts, who told FoxNews.com that this arrangement more or less the norm in Washington.

"It's not illegal but it is, I think, dishonest on the part of the organizations," said Paul Ryan, a legal counsel at the Campaign Legal Center. "And there's a reason they do it: they know voters don't like outsiders coming in to sway the vote."

...

Outside of that firm, the center of their activity appears to be a single office in Southeast D.C. -- 300 M Street, Suite 1102 -- which plays host to a sprawling political shell game they have established.

Public records show at least seven political shops listed in Suite 1102, most of which are essentially clones of one another, but all of which have offered money -- from measly thousands to game-changing millions -- in state-level elections across the country:

• The American Public Policy Committee [2010 donations | 2008 donations ]
• Patriot Majority [2010 donations | 2008 donations ]
• Citizens for Progress [2010 donations | 2008 donations ]
• Oklahoma Freedom Fund [ 2008 donations ]
• Mid Atlantic Leadership Fund [2010 donations ]
• Public Security Now [ 2008 donations ]
• Pioneer Majority [ 2008 donations ]
• Bluegrass Freedom Fund [ 2008 donations ]

The APPC, which developed the anti-tea party ads, has gotten all of its money for 2010 from Patriot Majority and from Citizens for Progress, which is also called Patriot Majority West.

The 300 M Street, Suite 1102, Washington DC address appears to be the current address for political law firm Sandler Reiff & Young and for business law and litigation firm Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler. The "Sandler" in both firms are cousins Paul Mark Sandler of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler and Joseph E. Sandler of Sandler Reiff & Young. Paul Mark Rosen of Shapiro Sher Guinot & Sandler has been involved in high-profile campaign law cases.

USA Today: "Feds probe for Clinton campaign violations", October, 2004.

Talk about Astroturf, I'm calling this one TOTALLY BUSTED! on The Patriot Majority. By all measures, this is a sham Tea Party group and is purposefully deceptive. Anybody from The Patriot Majority care to refute these findings? For you Sarah Palin fans, refute means refudiate. :-)

Source Data

(link to table)

See also ...

NEW: OpenSecrets.org, "Shape-Shifting by Liberal Dark Money Groups Seems Meant to Confuse"

Center for Public Integrity, "Craig Varoga"

Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Reid distances himself from group attacking Lowden"

Las Vega Sun, "Pro-Harry Reid group out with radio ad touting Scott Ashjian"

Politico, "Casinos place bets on Reid"

DC Independent Examiner, "When Astroturf is really Astroturf: phony grassroots PAC reveals massive 527 network"

Washington Examiner, "Want to know how to really astroturf a movement? Just ask Democrat money men Craig Varoga and George Rakis"

Washington Post, "Democratic group targets tea party candidates"

FoxNews.com, "Anti-Tea Party Web Site Part of Scheme to Funnel Funds"

Las Vegas Review-Journal, "Reid, Angle even on campaign cash"

NPR, "Profile: Patriot Majority"

MSNBC (30-MAR-2010)

American Thinker, "Information War: TheTeaPartyIsOver.org"

Nevada News Bureau, "Chickens For Checkups TV Ad & Patriot Majority PAC"

Cranky Hermit, "MGM Resorts Dives Headfirst Into the Campaign - And Some Employees and Customers May Not Be Too Happy About It"

SF Weekly, "Jackpot: How four tiny Indian tribes, with help from powerful gambling interests, are trying to transform the Bay Area into a slot machine Mecca," October 27, 2004. Article about the Lytton Casino and Indian gaming in California.

Soquel by the Creek, "A Fake Latino Reform Group Appears in Nevada"

Craig Varoga, Varoga & Associates: This site looks nearly identical to the Independent Strategies web site.

Proposition 27 Revealed!

[NOTE: This is a work in progress, updated last on 3-NOV-2010, 10:15 AM. Revision history at end.]

THANK YOU Californians! Together, we defeated this naked power grab by the party and politicians currently in power. Proposition 27 failed by nearly a 60% margin!

SUMMARY:

• Proposition 27 appears on the November 2010 ballot in California.
• If passed, Proposition 27 would essentially eliminate the redistricting reforms created by 2008's Proposition 11 and return the responsibility of redrawing political boundaries back to the California State Legislature.
• The California Legislature is dominated by members of a single political party with nearly a 2-to-1 majority.
• Every major California newspaper recommends NO on PROPOSITION 27.
• In an apparent naked power grab, twenty-six (26) self-serving incumbent Californian politicians, all Democrats, support and fund the committee in favor of Proposition 27.
• The list of politicians includes the current U.S. Speaker of the House and both the current and former Speakers of the California Assembly.
• Many of the U.S. Congressional Representatives on the list are also members of the Congresional Progressive Caucus, who typically represent the far-left wing of the Democratic Party.
• Big-money donors to the Democratic party are major contributors, including a $2,000,000 ($2 MILLION) donation from billionaire media mogul Haim Saban. Controversial billionaire investor George Soros is also a major contributor. At least four billionaires have contributed.
• Labor unions, a traditional ally of the Democratic Party, are also major contributors, including $1,250,000 ($1.25 MILLION) from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union, $1 MILLION from the American Federation of Teachers union, and $500,000 from a front organization for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners union, and $200,000 from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• Many of the poltician's campaigns are also directly funded by the same unions.
• The California Democratic Party also contributed $375,000.
• Many of those funding Proposition 27 also funded the campaign against the 2005 redistricting reform, or No on Prop. 77.

THE DETAILS:

Remember when the Democratic Party represented the common man? Remember when the Democratic Party fought to empower "The People"? Remember when the Democratic Party fought against the big money that corrupts politics? California's ballot Proposition 27 reveals the true face of the modern California Democratic Party, currently dominated by Progressives! The hypocrisy behind Proposition 27 is staggering, even by California standards.

What is Proposition 27? According to the California Legislative Analyst's Office, it is designed to block the necessary reforms mandated by an earlier ballot proposition, Proposition 11. Proposition 11 empowers a balanced, non-partisan Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw the highly-Gerrymandered political districts in California.

Why did Californians pass Proposition 11 that created the Citizens Redistricting Commission?

• Many California citizens felt that their state assembly and senate districts were Gerrymandered by Legislators to ensure that incumbent politicians were guaranteed re-election in non-competitive elections.
• Many citizens felt that public-employee and union money unduly influenced California's elections and Legislators.
• Many citizens wanted control for drawing political districts removed from the Legislature and placed in the hands of a non-partisan citizens commissions.

The people and organizations that are financing support for Proposition 27 are a very interesting and revealing mix of the Democratic Party establishment, incumbent California Democratic politicians, labor unions, and secretive big-money donors to ... you guessed it ... the Democratic Party.

The list of donors supporting Proposition 27 is available here and is updated as public-disclosure forms are filed.

http://www.electiontrack.com/lookup.php?committee=1323672

Here is another source for the same information, courtesy of the California Secretary of State.

http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Committees/Detail.aspx?id=1323672&session=2009&view=late1

Democratic Party Establishment

The California Democratic Party contributed directly to support Proposition 27. Why? Because the Democratics apparently have the most to lose in free and fair elections. The party has carefully cobbled together a financing support network with various labor interests.

Democratic State Central Committee of California

• $375,000 contribution

Incumbent California Democratic Politicians

Which incumbent Democratic politicians are attempting to protect their political careers in open contradiction to the will of the people? The list includes the current Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the both the current and former Speakers of the California Assembly.

Many of these same politicians are heavily funded by the unions that are funding support for Proposition 27, as listed later. Many of the Congressional Representatives on the list are also members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, whom represent the left-wing of the Democratic Party, known simply as the Progressives.

Why are incumbent politicians funding Proposition 27? They want the old, pre-Proposition 11 redistricting process back to protect their political careers. In an interview with the Orange Counter Register during the 2001 California redistricting process, Rep. Loretta Sanchez, sister of Proposition 27 funder Rep. Linda Sanchez, explained how the gerrymandering system worked:

"Twenty thousand [dollars] is nothing to keep your seat. I spend $2 million [dollars campaigning] every year. If my colleagues are smart, they'll pay their $20,000, and Michael [Berman, brother of Proposition 27 funder Howard Berman] will draw the district they can win in. Those who have refused to pay? God help them."

U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D), 8th Congressional District

• Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
• Nancy Pelosi for Congress: $10,000
• Former member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus but relinquished her membership when she became Speaker of the House
• AFSCME, Plumbers/Pipefitters, IBEW, and AFT are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Nancy Pelosi
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-8 district map

U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra, (D), 31st Congressional District

• Leadership of Today & Tommorrow PAC: $10,000, affliated with Xavier Becerra
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• AFSME, SEIU, IBEW, Teamsters are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Xavier Becerra
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-31 district map suggests Gerrymandering through North Hollywood and Los Angeles

U.S. Congressman Howard Berman (D), 28th Congressional District

• Berman for Congress: $10,000
• AFSCME, Operating Engineers, and Carpenters & Joiners unions are major contributors
• Howard Berman was the single-largest recipient of campaign contributors from the individuals contributing to Proposition 27.
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Howard L. Berman
• Considered by some to by the driving force behind Proposition 27
• Howard Berman's brother is Michael Berman
• Michael Berman was a paid consultant for Democrats during the 2001 California redistricting process and others
• Michael Berman acknowledged that the 2001 redistricting protected incumbents, Democratic and Republican, his brother included
• Howard Berman is Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
• In a 2008 Jerusalem Post interview, Howard Berman said "Israel's security and the US-Israeli relationship is for me an issue that shapes my whole agenda [in] Congress, and guides it."
• Howard Berman is an ardent supporter of Israel, which may have prompted Haim Saban to contribute $2 MILLION
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-28 district map shows Gerrymandering through Van Nuys

U.S. Congresswoman Lois Capps (D), 23rd Congressional District

• Friends of Lois Capps: $10,000
• IBEW, AFSCME, Carpenters & Joiners, Operating Engineers, AFT, and fire fighter unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Lois Capps
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-23 district map is perhaps the best example of a highly-Gerrymandered district, covering just select coastal communities. The district is 200 miles long and only 100 yards wide in some places. Voters joke that it sometimes disappears during high tide.

U.S. Congresswoman, Judy Chu (D), 32nd Congressional District

• TruePAC - Concerned Citizens including Judy Chu to Support Proposition 27: $125,000
• Judy Chu for Congress: $10,000
• Possible connections to another $90,000 from the Californians for Trust, Responsibility, Unity, and Empowerment PAC listed below
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• AFT, Carpenters & Joiners, AFSCME, IBEW, and Operating Engineers unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Judy Chu
• Spouse of California Assemblyman Mike Eng, who also funds Proposition 27
• The CA-32 district map also shows signs of Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D), 14th Congressional District

• Anna Eshoo for Congress: $10,000
• Plumbers/Pipefitters, AFSCME, and IBEW unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Anna Eshoo
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-14 district map shows Gerrymandering. I almost live in this district. I live just outside one of the zig-zags.

U.S. Congressman Sam Farr (D), 17th Congressional District

• Friends of Farr: $20,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, AFSCME, Plumbers/Pipefitters, Carpenters & Joiners unions, and AFT are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Sam Farr
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-17 district map

U.S. Congressman Mike Honda (D), 15th Congressional District

• Mike Honda for Congress: $10,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, Operating Engineers, AFT, and AFSCME unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Michael Honda
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-15 district map shows Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D), 9th Congressional District

• Barbara Lee for Congress: $10,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, AFSCME, Carpenters & Joiners, and Operating Engineers unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Barbara Lee
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• CA-9 district map

U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D), 16th Congressional District

• Lofgren for Congress: $10,000
• IBEW and AFSCME unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Zoe Lofgren
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-16 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D), 5th Congressional District

• Matsui for Congress: $10,000
• Plumbers/Pipefitters, IBEW, Operating Engineers, and AFSCME unions are major contributors
• The CA-5 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D), 37th Congressional District

• Richardson for Congress: $5,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, AFT, Plumbers/Pipefitters, and AFSCME unions are major contributors
• Included on the 2008 CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress list (CREW = Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington)
• Included on the 2009 CREW's Most Corrupt: The 15 Most Corrupt Members of Congress list
• Included on the 2010 CREW's Most Corrupt: Unfinished Business list
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Laura Richardson
• The CA-37 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D), 34th Congressional District

• Lucille Roybal-Allard for Congress: $10,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• All the unions involved with Proposition 27, except AFT, are Top-20 contributors to Lucille Roybal-Allard
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Lucille Roybal-Allard
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-34 district map

U.S. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D), 39th Congressional District

• Committee to Re-elect Linda Sanchez: $25,000
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, AFSCME, Operating Engineers, Carpenters & Joiners, and AFT unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Linda Sanchez
• Sister of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, who recently was caught making racist remarks against constituents in her district
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-39 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff (D), 29th Congressional District

• Adam Schiff for Congress: $10,000
• Operating Engineers, IBEW, and Plumbers/Pipefitters unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Adam Schiff
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-29 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D), 12th Congressional District

• Jackie Speier for Congress: $10,000
• Plumbers/Pipefitters and Operating Engineers unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Jackie Speier
• The CA-12 district map

U.S. Congresswoman Diane Watson (D), 33rd Congressional District

• Diane E. Watson for Congress: $20,000
• Vice-chairperson of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• AFSCME, Operating Engineers, IBEW, and AFT unions are major contributors
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-33 district map indicates Gerrymandering

U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D), 6th Congressional District

• Woolsey for Congress: $5,000
• Co-chairperson of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• IBEW, AFSCME, AFT, and Plumbers/Pipefitters unions are major contributors
• WhoRunsGov.com profile for Lynn Woolsey
• The CA-6 district map

U.S. Congressman George Miller (D), 7th Congressional District

• Did NOT directly contribute to Yes on Proposition 27
• Solidarity PAC contributed $10,000
• According to OpenSecrets.org, George Miller is affiliated with Solidarity PAC, his leadership Political Action Committee (PAC)
• Member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• All the unions involved with Proposition 27, except AFT, are Top-20 contributors to George Miller
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• The CA-7 district map indicates Gerrymandering

State Senator Alex Padilla (D), 20th State Senate District

• Padilla for Senate: $39,000
• California 2020 Senator Alex Padilla's Ballot Measure Committee: $21,572
• AFSCME and California Pipe Trades Council unions are major contributors

California Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez (D), 46th Assembly District

• Current California Assembly Speaker
• Building California's Future: John A. Perez Ballot Measure Committee: $49,000
• California Pipe Trades Council and California Operating Engineers unions are major contributors

Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D), 47th Assembly District

• Former California Assembly Speaker
• Speaker Karen Bass Strengthening California through Leadership Ballot Measure Committee: $30,000
• Karen Bass for Assembly 2008: $20,000
• Carpenters unions are major contributors
• Now a candidate for U.S. Congress in the 33rd Congressional District

Assembly Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield (D), 40th Assembly District

• Bob Blumenfield for Assembly 2010: $85,000
• California Pipe Trades and Carpenters unions are major contributors

Assemblyman Charles Calderon (D), 58th Assembly District

• Charles Calderon for Assembly 2010: $100,000
• California Pipe Trades unions are major contributors

Assemblyman Mike Eng (D), 49th Assembly District

• Mike Eng for Assembly 2010: $100,000
• Operating Engineers unions are major contributors
• Spouse of Congresswoman Judy Chu, who also funds Proposition 27
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes (D), 39th Assembly District

• Felipe Fuentes Reform California Ballot Measure Committee: $20,000
• Fuentes for Assembly 2010: $10,000
• California Pipe Trades unions are major contributors

Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner (D), 14th Assembly District

• Skinner for Assembly 2010: $30,000
• Electrical Workers, California Pipe Trades, and Operating Engineers are major contributors

Assemblyman Bill Monning (D), 39th Assembly District

• Friends of Bill Monning: $5,000
• California Pipe Trades, Electrical Workers, Firefighters, and Teachers unions are major contributors

Labor Unions, a Traditional Ally of California Democrats

The following labor unions are long-time allies of California Democrats and heavily fund the campaigns of the incumbent Democrats listed above. Among the California Congressional Representatives listed, these unions contributed nearly $3.8 million to their campaigns during their careers.

(also view spreadsheet at http://www.editgrid.com/user/soquel_by_the_creek/proposition_27_congress_union_contributions)

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

• AFSCME: $1,250,000 ($1.25 MILLION!) contribution
• AFSCME is a labor union; a member of the AFL-CIO
• #2 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 98% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page for AFSCME
• According to Influence Explorer, AFSCME was a major contributor to former California governor Gray Davis, removed from office by a recall election.
• According to OpenSecrets.org, AFSCME has contributed over $850,000 to the California Congressional Representatives listed above. AFSCME is a Top-20 contributor to all but one member.
• New York Times article mentioning AFSCME, "Soft Money Lives: Democrats Take In $12 Million (2 Gifts)," March 2002
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

American Federation of Teachers (AFT)

• $1,000,000 ($1 MILLION) contribution
• AFT is a labor union; a member of the AFL-CIO
• #13 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 98% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page for AFT
• According to Influence Explorer, AFT was a major contributor to many politicians in Illinois.
• AFT was a major contributor to former California Governor Gray Davis, removed from office by a recall election.
• AFT was a major contributor to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, removed from office by impeachment.
• According to OpenSecrets.org, AFT has contributed over $330,000 to the California Congressional Representatives listed above.

Carpenters and Joiners Union

• Working for Working Americans: $500,000. This group appears to be partially-activated advocacy group dating back to the 2008 Presidential campaign, originally supporting John Edwards
• The Carpenters and Joiners Union contributed the vast majority of the money to "Working for Working Americans", over $4 million to this 527 group
• Major expenditures from Working for Working Americans were to the California Democratic Party and the National Democratic Redistricting Trust
• The Carpenters and Joiners Union is #12 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 89% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page "Working for Working Americans"

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

• $200,000 contribution from California State Council of Service Employees Political Issues Committee
• #11 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 92% of their member's money to Democrats
• Largest contributor to independent 527 political committees in the 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 elections.
• Second largest political spender in California politics, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission special report, "Big Money Talks," page 10.
• Influence Explorer profile for the Service Employees International Union.
• SEIU was a major contributor to former California Governor Gray Davis, removed from office by a recall election.
• SEIU was a major contributor to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, removed from office by impeachment.
• SEIU has also worked in conjuction with George Soros, another contributor in favor of Proposition 27, via The Fund for America.
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

International Association of Fire Fighters

• $100,000 contribution
• A member of the AFL-CIO
• The International Association of Fire Fighters is a public-sector union associated with the AFL-CIO
• #45 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 81% of their member's money to Democrats
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Electrical Workers Unions (IBEW)

Various Electrical Workers unions contributed over $150,000 combined. According to OpenSecrets.org, IBEW contributed over $780,000 to the California Congressional Representatives listed above and is a Top-20 donor to all but two members.

• The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is a member union of the AFL-CIO
• California State Association of Electrical Workers: $50,000
• International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW) Educational Committee: $50,000
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 47: $50,000
• The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is #6 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 97% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page for IBEW
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Pipe Trade Unions

• California State Pipe Trades Council of the United Association: $50,000
• Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 447: $25,000
• Pumbers & Steamfitters Union No. 467: $10,000
• Plumbers & Pipefitters Union is #45 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 94% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page for Plumbers/Pipefitters Union

Teamsters Union

• DRIVE Committee: $25,000 contribution
• The DRIVE Committee is a voter education project of the Teamsters Union
• #10 on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 93% of their member's money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org information page for Teamsters Union
• According to Influence Explorer, the Teamsters Union was a major contributor to former California Governor Gray Davis, removed from office by a recall election
• According to Influence Explorer, the Teamsters Union was a major contributor to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, removed from office by impeachment
• According to OpenSecrets.org, the Teamsters Union has contributed over $690,000 to the California Congressional Representatives listed above.

Big Money Contributors to the Democratic Party

The following list is especially ironic given President Obama's apparent concern about groups like Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and the Koch brothers. Is the President more comfortable with this group? Why are so many out-of-state people and organizations attempting to influence California's elections? Oh, the hypocrisy of it all.

Many of the individual donors to Proposition 27 are also big-money contributors to various Democratic Party organizations such as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), headed by Speaker Pelosi, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).

Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these individuals are also big-money donors to former-President Clinton's foundation. Similarly, George Soros, Hillary Clinton, and Harold Ickes were chief organizers of the so-called Shadow Democratic Party and Louise Gund and Fred Eychaner are probable members due to their heavy funding of 527 political organizations that fund Democrat Party causes.

I am an unabashed supporter of Israel. Consequently, I am surprised by many of the pro-Israel connections to the Yes on Proposition 27 effort. I had never heard of Haim Saban until I began researching this article. Surprisingly, many of the incumbent Democrat politicians supporting Proposition 27, in my opinion, do not necessarily support Israel. Howard Berman is perhaps unique in his public support for Israel. For the other politicians, perhaps the pro-Israel lobby hopes to develop a relationship similar to the labor unions. The incumbent Democrats listed above have provided certain political services in return for continued campaign contributions from labor unions. Regardless, I hope this recent trend does not indicate that the Israelis want to influence California state politics!

This following list only includes individuals contributing more than $20,000 as of 30-SEPT-2010. Only contributions exceeding $50,000 are highlighted in red. There are other smaller contributors listed here. The individuals are listed from largest contribution, downward.

Haim Saban

• $2,000,000 ($2 MILLION!) contribution
• Billionaire media mogul
• NNDB profile for Haim Saban
• SourceWatch reference
• Influence Explorer reference
• Chairman and Chief Executive Office of Saban Capital Group
• Saban Capital Group is #83 on OpenSecret.org's Heavy Hitters List with 99% of contributions going to Democrats (detail view)
• Top recipient in 2010 from Saban Capital Group is Congresswoman Judy Chu, listed above
• Los Angeles Times, "Saban gives $2 million to change redistricting law"
• Forbes Magazine, "Haim Saban And Charles Munger Jr. Duke It Out"
• In an interview, his “three ways to be influential in American politics,”were to make donations to political parties, establish think tanks, and control media outlets.
• New York Times article mentioning Haim Saban, "Soft Money Lives: Democrats Take In $12 Million (2 Gifts)," March 2002
• #6 on 2000 top individual donors list, giving 99% to Democrats; contributions exceeded $1 MILLION
• #2 on 2002 top individual donors list, giving 100% to Democrats; contributions exceeded $9.3 MILLION
• #23 on 2010 top individual donors list (the year isn't over), giving 98% to Democrats
• Donated between $5-10 MILLION to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Allegedly threatened to withhold campaign contributions to Nancy Pelosi if she did not select Jane Harman as the Chair of the House Intelligence Committee
• CorporationWiki profile
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• Portfolio Magazine article, "Haim Saban, Power Ranger"
• Los Angeles Times article, "Haim Saban, friend to Israel and Democrats"
• The New Yorker Magazine article, "The Influencer"
• Pro-Israel policy influencer, "Meet Isreali Influence Peddler Haim Saban"
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Louise Gund

• $100,000 contribution
• #18 on 2002 top individual donors list, giving 100% to Democrats; contributions exceeded $1 MILLION
• Legal residence outside of California
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• Listed as a funder for "Pelosi's Puppets"
• Donated between $50,000 to $100,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• Probable Shadow Party member, major funder of 527 committees supporting Democrats

Peter G. Angelos

• $100,000 contribution
• Legal residence outside of California
• #15 on 2008 top individual donors list, giving 99% to Democrats; contributions exceed $263,000
• According to Influence Explorer, Peter G. Angelos a major donor to the Democratic Party, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee with 96% of contributions going to Democrats
• Personal injury attorney with the Law Offices of Peter A. Angelos
• According to Influence Explorer, the Law Offices of Peter A. Angelos is also a major contributor to Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi
• Majority owner of the Baltimore Orioles
• According to Influence Explorer, there are additional contributions to Democrats via the Angelos Law Office/Baltimore Orioles connection with 97% going to Democrats
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• #1 contributor to Nancy Pelosi's 2010 campaign
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

George Soros

• $100,000 contribution
• Legal residence outside of California
• NNDB profile
• Influence Explorer profile shows that 98% of contributions went to Democrats
• SourceWatch reference
• #2 on 2008 top individual donors list to 527s; contributed $5 MILLION
• George Soros and relatives Jennifer, Jonathan, and Robert each gave $50,000 to the Obama Inauguration for a total of $200,000
• Controversial billionaire funder of various left-of-center political organizations including the Open Society Institute, the Center for American Progress, MoveOn.org and the Huffington Post
• The Soros Foundation gave between $500,000 to $1 MILLION to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• OpenSecrets.org article, "Capital Rivals: Koch Brothers vs. George Soros"
• Organizer of the Shadow Party

Edith Wasserman

• $100,000 contribution
• Contributed over $30,000 each to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), as well as to various Democratic politicians nationwide
• Vice-President/Secretary of the Wasserman Foundation
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• The Wasserman Foundation donated between $5 MILLION to $10 MILLION to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Fred Eychaner

• $100,000 contribution
• Out-of-state contribution
• New York Times article mentioning Fred Eychaner, "Soft Money Lives: Democrats Take In $12 Million (2 Gifts)," March 2002
• #11 on 2010 top individual political donors list, giving 34% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans; contributions exceeded $265,000
• #7 on 2010 top contributors to 527 organizations
• #1 on 2010 contributors to America Votes ($300,000)
• #3 on 2010 contributors to EMILY's List Non-Federal ($250,000)
• OpenSecrets.org blog post on EMILY's List contributions
• Influence Explorer profile
• Contributed over $30,000 to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee and over $15,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2010
• Owner of Newsweb Corporation, a publisher of ethnic and alternative newspapers in the United States, based in Chicago, Illinois. The company also owns several radio stations in the Chicago area and a television station in Sterling, Colorado.
• Influence Explorer profile for Newsweb Corporation
• CampaignMoney.com profile for Fred Eychaner
• Newsweb Corp. is #100 on the on the top campaign contributors list, contributing 100% of its money to Democrats
• OpenSecrets.org profile for Newsweb Corp.
• Donated between $10-25 MILLION to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Donated $10,000 maximum to the Clinton Legal Defense Fund
• Contributed $50,000 to the Obama Inauguration
• Hosted a fundraiser for candidate Obama in 2008 in his home
• Founder and Chairman of the Alphawood Foundation
• Named to Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts by President Obama
• Forbes Magazine profile (2002)
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• Probable Shadow Party member, major funder of 527 committees supporting Democrats

Steven S. Myers

• $100,000 contribution
• CEO/Chairman of Dolphin Capital Holdings, Inc.
• Former CEO of SM&A, a firm that works with companies on government procurement and projects
• Forbes profile on Steven S. Myers
• CorporationWiki profile on Steven S. Myers
• The Full Wiki profile on Steven Myers
• CampaignMoney.com profile on Steven Myers
• Contributed $60,400 to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in 2010
• Contributed $30,400 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in 2010

Steven R. Zax

• See $100,000 contribution from Zenith Insurance Company below

Jack C. Bendheim

• $50,000 contribution
• Legal residence outside of California
• Contributed over $30,000 total to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), as well as to various Democratic politicians nationwide
• Honorary chairman of the Israel Policy Forum
• 1996 Mother Jones article on his political giving
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• President/Chairman of the Board of Phibro Animal Health Corporation
• According to Influence Explorer, Phibro Animal Health contributes 96% to Democrats
• Donated between $25,000 to $50,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Joseph W. Cotchett

• $25,000 contribution
• Contributed over $30,000 total to the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC) and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), as well as to various Democratic politicians nationwide
• Presidential Elector in 2004
• Considered one of America's most influential trial lawyers
• Attorney with Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy
• According to Influence Explorer, Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy is a major contributor to many of the other U.S. Representatives that are funding Proposition 27: Anna Eshoo, Jackie Speier. 99% of their contributions go to Democrats. Senator Barbara Boxer is also a major recipient. The firm gave $160,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
• CampaignMoney.com profile

Kathryn Hall

• $25,000 contribution
• Legal residence outside of California
• NNDB profile
• Contributed over $20,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)
• Contributed $50,000 to the Obama Inauguration
• Former U.S. Ambassador to Austria, appointed by President Clinton
• CampaignMoney.com profile for Kathryn Hall
• Married to Craig Hall, President of Hall Financial Group, who has also given tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic Party causes
• According to Influence Explorer, 100% of Hall Financial's contributions go to Democrats
• CampaignMoney.com profile for Craig Hall.
• Proprietor of Hall Wines in Napa Valley
• Kathryn and Craig Hall donated between $100,000 to $250,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

C. Paul Johnson

• $25,000 contribution
• SourceWatch reference
• Contributed over $30,000 to the Democratic National Committee (DNC)
• CEO of Astrale e Tierra Winery
• According to Influence Explorer, 100% of contributions from Astrale e Tierra Winery go to Democrats
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Stephen Grand

• $25,000 contribution
• Real estate investor with Grand-Sakwa Properties, with a Michigan address
• Contributed to a variety of Democratic causes
• Board member of American Friends of Koret Israel Economic Development Funds
• Contributor to Northern Californians for Good Government
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

George M. Marcus

• $25,000 contribution
• Chairman of real estate firm Marcus & Millichap
• Regent of the University of California, appointed by Governor Gray Davis
• According to Influence Explorer, Marcus & Millicap is a major contributor to many of the other U.S. Representatives that are funding Proposition 27: Anna Eshoo, Nancy Pelosi, Mike Honda, Zoe Lofgren, and Jackie Speier. Over 90% of their contributions go to Democrats.
• Major contributor to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
• CorporationWiki profile
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• Listed as a funder for "Pelosi's Puppets"
• Donated between $250,000 to $500,000 to the William J. Clinton Foundation
• Forbes magazine profile on George M. Marcus
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Stewart Resnick

• $25,000 contribution
• NNDB profile for Stewart A. Resnick
• CorporationWiki profile for Stewart Resnick
• SourceWatch profile for Stewart A. Resnick
• Influence Explorer profile for Stewart Resnick
• CampaignMoney.com profile for Stewart Resnick
• Political Friendster profile for Stewart A. Resnick
• Muckety.com profile for Stewart A. Resnick
• President and Chairman of Roll International Corporation
• Influence Explorer profile for Roll International Corporation
• Roll International was a Top 20 contributor to the Democratic National Committee in 2006 with a $63,500 contribution
• Roll International Corporation was a major contributor of over $275,000 to former California Governor Gray Davis, removed from office by voter recall.
• Roll International is a major contributor to some of the politicians contributing to Proposition 27, including Adam Schiff and Howard Berman
• Roll International paid lobbying firm Heather Podesta and Partners $350,000 between 2008 and 2010. Heather Podesta was former Counsel to Robert Matsui, whose wife, Doris Matsui, replaced him upon his death in office. Heather Podesta is sister in law to John Podesta. John Podesta is currently President of the George Soros-founded Center for American Progress, was former White House Chief of Staff during the Clinton Administration, and was co-chairman of the Obama Administration transition team. Heather Podesta is also a major fundraiser for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).
• Stewart Resnick is married to Lynda Rae Resnick
• NNDB profile for Lynda Rae Resnick
• SourceWatch profile for Lynda Rae Resnick
• CampaignMoney.com profile for Lynda Rae Resnick
• Influence Explorer profile for Lynda Rae Resnick
• Lynda Resnick is a columnist for the left-leaning Huffington Post

Lloyd Thomas Galloway

• $20,000 contribution
• Legal address outside of California
• Contributed over $30,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC)
• Attorney at Galloway & Associates
• According to Influence Explorer, Galloway & Associates contributes 100% to Democrats, including other U.S. Representatives that are funding Proposition 27: Howard Berman
• CampaignMoney.com profile

Corporate Contributors

Zenith Insurance Company

• $100,000 contribution
• Engaged nationally in the workman's compensation insurance business
• A wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
• Influence Explorer profile for Zenith Insurance
• Stanley R. Zax is President/Chairman of the Board at Zenith Insurance Company
• Stanley R. Zax contributed over $30,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and contributed to Nancy Pelosi's and Harry Reid's campaigns
• Stanley R. Zax is a trustee of The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress
• CampaignMoney.com profile
• CorporationWiki profile

Thirty-O-Seven, Inc.

• $10,000 contribution
• No web site found
• Is an active corporation according to the State of California
• The contact address for Thirty-O-Seven, Inc. is in the Clarity Partners LP building
• The contact address is 0.9 miles from Berman & D'Agostino Campaigns
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77
• Contributed $25,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2000
• CorporationWiki profile

Political Action Committees (PACs)

The following political action committees (PACs) also made contributions, but are not directly associated with either the politicians or unions listed above. The $125,000 from TruePAC was directly associated with Congesswoman Judy Chu.

Californians for Trust, Responsibility, Unity, and Empowerment PAC

• $90,000 contribution
• There is no web site for this PAC
• Bill Wong, the PAC contact person of record, was former Chief of Staff to Judy Chu when she was a California Assemblywoman. Judy Chu is now a U.S. Congressional Representative
• Bill Wong, the PAC contact person of record, was Legislative Director to Mike Honda when he was in the California Assembly. Mike Honda is now a U.S. Congressional Representative
• Bill Wong, the PAC contact person of record, was Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to then State Senator Hilda Solis. Hilda Solis is currently the U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Obama Administration
• Judy Chu and Mike Honda are current members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
• Hilda Solis was a former chairperson of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Solidarity PAC

• $10,000 contribution
• Affliliated with Congressman George Miller, who is also a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
• Influence Explorer reference
• Funded by a variety of interests, both corporations and unions
• Also funded by other political action committees (PACs)
• Also contributed to No on Prop. 77

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

• $25,000 contribution
• Influence Explorer profile

Déjà vu All Over Again (No on Proposition 77)

I am sure that it is just an amazing coincidence, but many of those funding Proposition 27 also funded the 2005 redistricting ballot initiative, Proposition 77. Proposition 77 was a previous attempt at redistricting reform that failed at the ballot box. Proposition 77 differed in many ways from Proposition 11, approved by voters in 2008.

It is interesting that the same names and coalitions arrayed against redistricting reform in 2005 are allied again in 2010 for Proposition 27, whose aim is to eliminate the Proposition 11 reforms.

Here are some of the other strange and amazing coincidences between Proposition 27 and 2005’s Proposition 77.

• Chairman of Proposition 77 was Dan Lowenstein. Dan Lowenstein signed the Arguments in favor of Proposition 27.
• The Proposition 77 campaign consultant was Berman & D’Agostino Campaigns.
• The Berman in the company name is Michael Berman.
• Michael Berman was central to the 2001 California redistricting plan.
• Michael Berman’s brother is U.S. Congressman Howard Berman.
• Howard Berman contributed to both Yes on Proposition 27 and No on Proposition 77.
• Many of the U.S. Congress Representatives that fund Proposition 27 also funded No on Proposition 77 , including Nancy Pelosi, Howard Berman, Linda Sanchez (and her sister Loretta Sanchez), Barbara Lee, Lois Capps, Zoe Lofgren, Anna Eshoo, Mike Honda, Sam Farr, George Miller, Diane Watson, Adam Schiff, and Lucille Roybal-Allard.
• Assemblyman Mike Eng funded both No on Proposition 77 and Yes on Proposition 27.
• Many of the same unions funding Proposition 27 also funded No on Proposition 77, including AFSCME, IBEW, umbrella organization AFL-CIO, and the Fire Fighters union.
• Many of the same well-connected, big-money donors funding Proposition 27 also funded No on Proposition 77, including Haim Saban, Peter G. Angelos, Lois Gund, Edith Wasserman, Kathryn Hall, Fred Eychaner, C. Paul Johnson, George M. Marcus, Stephen Grand
• Stealthful Thirty-O-Seven, Inc. and Amir Development Corp. funded both No on Proposition 77 and Yes on Proposition 27.
• Other interesting funders of No on Proposition 77 were Congressman Barney Frank (another member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus), and screenwriters Aaron Sorkin and Norman Lear.

Note to Reader

• I ask for your NO vote on Proposition 27. Other groups not only advocate for NO on Proposition 27 but also for YES on Proposition 20, which would allow the Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw the U.S. Congressional districts for California. I have not yet determined my position on Proposition 20.
• I attempt to be fair and accurate in presenting this information and provide links to my references. If you find an error or believe that I am unfairly presenting the information based on available facts, please let me know via the comments section and I will review the specific information. I will post all comments about corrections unless you specifically ask me not to post your comment.
• If you know of other information that I am missing on this post, please let me know via the comments section.

Background Information

• Public television station KCET, "VIDEO: Between the Lines," a short but excellent introduction to the topic.
• League of Women Voters of California, "Fight the Scheme to Gut Redistricting Reform"
• Common Cause of California on Proposition 20 and Proposition 27
• Los Angeles Times editorial, "Drawing the lines: Democrats prosper by drawing themselves solidly Democratic seats, and Republicans benefit equally by lines drawn to protect their elected officials. It's time to undo this system, so yes on Prop. 20 and no on Prop. 27."
• Los Angeles Times, "Nancy Pelosi, congressional Democrats weigh in on redistricting measure"
• Capitol Weekly, "Incumbent Democrats open wallets to abolish redistricting commission"
• Bakersfield Californian editorial, "Redistricting: Yes on Prop. 20, no on Prop. 27"
• Mercury News editorial, "Vote yes on Prop. 20, no on Prop 27"
• Fresno Bee, "Democrat's goal with Prop. 27: Confuse and conquer"
• Press Telegram, "Yes on Prop. 20, no on Prop. 27"
• Fox&Hounds Daily, "Voters Beware - Prop 27 has Big Teeth"
• Sacramento Bee, "More Dems pony up for Prop. 27"
• Facts About Proposition 27: The Politician Power Grab
  
• FlashReport, "Look Who's Funding No on 20/Yes on 27 - Self Interested Politicians and Big Labor..."
• Ventura County Star, "Prop. 27, budget mess again show pols' selfishness"
• Daily Democrat, "Yes and no votes for Props. 20, 27"
• The Press Enterprise, "Support Prop. 20; reject Prop. 27"
• Contra Costa Times editorial, "We recommend yes on Proposition 20, no on 27"
• Capitol Weekly, "Political fight over redistricting spills into the Capitol, ballot"
• Capitol Weekly, "Redistricting: This time around, where is the Burton team?"
• L.A. Weekly, "Pew poll says Americans hate government. Exhibit One: Howard Berman, gerrymander king"
• Orange County Registar editorial, "Prop. 27 would strangle redistricting reform in the cradle"
• Sacramento Bee, "Dan Morain: Donors give millions, hide their motives"
• The Bob Zadek Radio Show, "Prop 27 -- Redistricting", audio file, 47 minutes

Revision History

• 30-OCT-2010: Added $10,000 contribution from Xavier Becerra's Leadership of Today & Tommorow PAC.
  
  
• 28-OCT-2010: Added the excellent overview on the topic by public television station KCET, called "Between the Lines." The California Democratic Central Committee increased their contribution to $375,000. Assemblyman Bill Monning contributed $5,000. As long expected, the California State Council of Service Employees Political Issues Committee, part of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) contributed $200,000.
  
  
• 19-OCT-2010: Corrected contribution for Pumbers & Steamfitters Union No. 467 (was $25,000, corrected to $10,000). Added new contributors Steven S. Myers ($100,000) and Santa Ynez Band of Mission Indians ($25,000). Added Congressional district maps. The CA-23 district map is particularly entertaining.


• 8-OCT-2010: Discovered interesting connections between those funding Proposition 27 and those funding the 2005 No on Proposition 77 effort. Found new information about Thirty-O-Seven, Inc.


• 7-OCT-2010: Added information on new Teamster Union contribution. Updated spreadsheet of union contributions to U.S. Congress Members. Updated chart of union contributions and Congress members.
  
  
• 5-OCT-2010: Added information on new contributors Fred Eychaner and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Noted that many of the unions are affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Updated chart showing contributions from labor unions. Updated chart showing major individual donors.
  
  
• 4-OCT-2010: Added link to The Bob Zadek Show on Proposition 27.
  
  
• 1-OCT-2010: Added chart showing Judy Chu connections to Proposition 27. Added WhoRunsGov.com profiles for Members of Congress. Discovered that Judy Chu and Mike Eng are married. Discovered that Howard Berman's brother is Michael Berman, who helped the Democrat-dominated California Legislature redraw district lines in 2001. Discovered how Howard Berman ties into the Israel connections. Added more background information links. Added quotation from Loretta Sanchez about the California 2001 redistricting process.
  
  
• 30-SEPT-2010: Corrected Representative Howard Berman's name. Was mistakenly listed as Bob Berman. Added new big-money individual donor, Stewart Resnick. Updated individual donor charts. Added this revision history list.