Measure Would Lower Limit on Campaign Contributions

In a move to tighten the lid on campaign spending in city elections, Irvine voters will be asked Nov. 3 to lower the limit on political contributions from an individual or group from $250 to $150.

The ballot initiative, known as Measure F, would amend the city’s existing campaign contribution laws, which were approved overwhelmingly by voters and are considered among the toughest in Orange County.

Proponents of Measure F contend it will help prevent runaway campaign spending and, more important, discourage outside special-interest groups from pumping large sums of money into city political races.

Opponents argue that passage will add to incumbents’ already-sizable advantage at election time. They say incumbents have greater name recognition, so they do not have to raise as much money and therefore are not hurt as much as challengers by contribution limits like Measure F.

The initiative also eliminates the requirement that contributions by a husband and wife be counted as one contribution. Under Measure F, a husband and wife could separately contribute up to the limit of $150.

Also on the Nov. 3 ballot, five candidates are running for three seats on the Irvine Unified School District Board of Education. Those running include three incumbents, Helen Cameron, Gordon Getchel and Mary Ellen Hadley, and two challengers, Chris King and Thomas Wilson.