15 groups spent more than $1 billion on California political efforts

Fifteen special interest groups including casino operators, drug firms and unions for teachers and public employees spent more than $1 billion in the last decade trying to influence California voters and officials, the state’s political watchdog agency reported Wednesday.

The money from the top 15 spenders went to lobbying, contributions to state politicians, and campaigns for ballot measures that advanced the groups’ agendas, according to the report by the state Fair Political Practices Commission.

“This tsunami of special-interest spending drowns out the voices of average voters and intimidates political opponents and elected officials alike,” said commission Chairman Ross Johnson, a former state senator.

The following five interest groups are responsible for more than half of the billion dollars spent since 2000:

* California Teachers Assn., which spent $211.8 million.

* California State Council of Service Employees, $107.4 million.

* Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, $104.9 million.

* Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which operates a casino under a state-approved compact, $83.6 million.

* Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, which also has a casino, $69.2 million.

Pacific Gas & Electric, Chevron, AT&T, Philip Morris USA and Southern California Edison are also among the top 15 political spenders, according to the report.

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com