State senators talk ethics in wake of scandals

SACRAMENTO -- State Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) bemoaned the “subtle and insidious impact” of money in politics on Wednesday.

His comments came after criminal investigations that have resulted in the unprecedented suspensions of three state senators, and in the midst of an election year that will likely feature tens of millions of dollars in campaign spending.

Steinberg and Senate Republican leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) spoke with reporters near the Capitol after a series of conversations among senators about ethical guidelines and proper fund-raising.

Steinberg said he would prefer public financing for campaigns, and described fund-raising as a necessary evil.

“Money has a corrosive effect on legislatures and congresses throughout the land,” he said. But at the same time, Steinberg added, “You have to campaign.”

The key issue, Steinberg said, is to separate official business and fund-raising.

“You’ve got to be willing to disagree with your contributors,” he said.

Two of the senators who have been suspended, Ron Calderon (D-Montebello) and Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), allegedly took campaign cash during FBI sting operations. Both have vowed to fight the corruption charges.

The third state senator, Roderick Wright (D-Inglewood), was convicted of voter fraud for not living in the district he represented. However, Steinberg said, residency issues were not part of the conversations Wednesday.

“The core of the issue here, in my view, is money in politics,” he said.

ALSO:

State senators go back to school for a day on ethics

State Senate suspends three lawmakers accused of crimes

Tougher ethics rules advance in California Senate committee

Twitter: @chrismegerian