End of Session money rains down on candidates

Incumbent lawmakers solicited a combined $1.26 million-per contributor-at more than 325 political fundraisers held in Sacramento during 2009, according to information released today by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, the state's campaign finance watchdog.

"Sacramento is home to the confluence of three great rivers: the American, Sacramento and L Street-where the State Capitol is located," said Chairman Ross Johnson. "When the Sacramento or American Rivers overflow their banks they call it a 'natural disaster,' but when L Street floods the downtown area with campaign cash they call it 'business as usual.'"

More than 25 percent of all fundraisers held, and more than 25 percent of all money solicited, in Sacramento during 2009 occurred in the final three weeks of the Legislative session. During August 24 through September 11, 86 political fundraisers were held in the Capitol City, soliciting nearly $340,000 in campaign contributions. The busiest days of the year were August 25 and 26, when 35 fundraising events were held, asking for combined maximum contributions of nearly $130,000 per contributor.

"Greater than 20 percent of fundraising events held in Sacramento during 2009, were for something other than races held in 2010," continued Johnson. "This new trend of holding fundraisers for offices three to five years away, and for candidate-controlled ballot measure and officeholder committees, has to make you wonder how they have time to do anything but fundraise."

In addition to fundraisers billed as breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners and cocktail parties, at least 11 "golf tournaments" were held throughout the state, asking for combined maximum contributions of more than $140,000 per attendee. The list does not include district fundraising events. Information gathered to create this list was compiled by reviewing items listed in the Daily Bread Section of The Capitol Morning Report.

The list of fundraisers held and the maximum amounts solicited is available here.

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