Last week, I noted that close polling on California's Proposition 32 -- which would, among other things, end the ability of the state's unions to spend membership dues on political causes without member consent -- likely presaged "an orgy of union money in the final weeks of the race." As new records filed with the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento show, the reality has outpaced even the wildest expectations of those of us who anticipated the deluge.
From Jon Ortiz at the Sacramento Bee:
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees contributed $1.5 million to defeat Proposition 32, part of $3.48 million given by labor unions and politicians within the last week.
The campaign supporting the campaign finance-reform initiative raised about one-tenth over the same period ...
The donations pushed the No on 32 campaign's collections to $40.1 million through Friday ...
The opponents of Prop 32 are fond of portraying it as a diabolical plot hatched by fat cats to secure their political power. The fact that they're outspending the Yes on 32 crowd by a factor of five ought to call that premise into question. It hardly bears mentioning that the California Teachers Association -- the Death Star of Golden State special interests -- is responsible for about 40 percent of the No on 32 Campaign's gargantuan war chest.Between campaign donations and independent committee money that paid for ads supporting the measure, Proposition 32 proponents have raised a little more than $8 million.
That the race is still close shows the genuine hunger for reform in California. Whether that hunger can triumph over the onslaught of money from big labor, however, remains an open question.
