Downey, CA– As Californians begin to prepare to vote in the June 5, 2018 Primary Election, they should be very aware of the first round of May Madness has begun and it is just as crazy as ever.
Although more and more Californians desire to remove the influence of special interest and their big dollar contributions, the 2018 election cycle will still be swamped with the big money influence
A quick look at the race for the 58th Assembly District shows that big money is on the move and it is motivated by vengeance. On April 20, 2018 a new political committee was created by a special interest group for the sole purpose of attacking one elected official. In a little over two weeks, this group, Working Californians Against Corruption, has seen its bank account swell from $0 to over $300,000 in contributions.
Is this a swell of small donors organizing for a cause? No far from it. Instead it is a few big checks coming from one specific interest group that should raise eyebrows across California. Let’s take a look at the madness and who is funding Working Californians Against Corruption.
April 20, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption Files Form 410
April 20, 2018 – Working California Against Corruption reports contributions from Erin Lehane in the amounts of $23,000 and $949.71
April 25, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption reports a $50,000 contribution from the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California in Sacramento
April 26, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption reports that the contribution by Erin Lehane was not a contribution but an expenditure of $23,949.71 They note on page 1 “This is not a reimbursement”.
April 26, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption reports two $25,000 contributions. One is from IBEW Local 11 in Pasadena and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 92 in Sacramento.
April 26, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption files form 460 where they continue to list a $23,000 contribution on April 20, 2018 from Erin Lehane for “Research”. In addition, they list a “Reimbursed Expenses” to Erin Lehane of $949.71.
May 1, 2018 – Working Californians Against Corruption reports contributions totaling $200,000 from 5 contributors. $100,000 from the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California in Sacramento. $25,000 from International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers Local 549 in Sacramento. $25,000 from Laborers Pacific Southwest Regional Organizing PAC in Sacramento. $25,000 from the International Union of Operating Engineers in Pasadena. $25,000 from the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council in Los Angeles.
With everything going on in our nation it is important to ask why would one specific special interest group create a political attack committee, seed it with over $300,000 of their member’s money and aim it at only one woman in the State Assembly.
Don’t worry we will be back soon with an update on May Madness in California.
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