New Gold Strike in Sacramento

A new political gold mine in Sacramento is the source of campaign money similar to “soft money,” the stuff that is at the heart of controversy from the 1996 federal election campaign.

When California voters approved Proposition 208 last November, they enacted strict limits on the amount of money any individual or business could contribute to a candidate--generally a maximum of $250 each for legislative candidates and $500 for statewide candidates. Lobbyists were banned from contributing. But Proposition 208 did not restrict the size of spending by independent expenditure committees operated by big spenders like the California Medical Assn. because such a provision probably would violate free speech. So the association and others can simply bankroll advertising for candidates of their choice without the money ever going though the candidates’ hands.

This generally is also the case with soft money on the federal level, the massive contributions made to the national political parties ostensibly for party building.

Former acting Secretary of State Tony Miller, an author of Proposition 208, does not expect a major problem from the new tactic of forming independent committees in California because disclosure provisions of the law allow voters to know the sources of money.

Such committees are not new to California, but now a flurry of fresh ones are being created. They are expected to become a major conduit for helping candidates favorable to their interests, or opposing those inimical. Groups establishing such committees also include, to name just a few, the California State Employees Assn., the California Dental Assn., the Cooperative Assn. of American Physicians and the Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors.

The law provides that these committees be truly independent. Their spending must involve no consultation or discussion with a candidate.

Responsible lobbying organizations should generate no problems. But there always is a chance a not-so-responsible group could be created to raise spurious allegations about a candidate.

State election officials should work to see that the sources of funds are disclosed as quickly as possible and that the reporting rules are enforced with vigor.