Prop V a Soft-Money Conduit to Attack ProgressivesPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Oct. 08‚ 2008If you wonder why a non-binding resolution on the ballot is generating so much attention, look at the recent campaign finance reports. With unlimited contributions to ballot measure campaigns (mandated by the courts), Proposition V has become an end-run to influence races for the Board of Supervisors. The Police Officers Association endorsed District 1 candidate Sue Lee—but by law they can only give her campaign $500 (which they did.) So they also gave $5000 to “Choice for Students”—a campaign committee supporting Proposition V, which will target Lee’s progressive opponent Eric Mar. The Association of Realtors also endorsed Lee, and gave $5000 to the Prop V campaign. So did Plan C, which gave $10,000. The SF Chamber of Commerce gave $15,000 to the effort—and Gap CEO Don Fisher gave a whopping $20,000. And it’s all perfectly legal. Meanwhile, PG&E has had to file disclosure forms with the Ethics Commission after their campaign to oppose Proposition H (the Clean Energy Act) sent out a mailer promoting District 4 Supervisor Carmen Chu—who’s up for re-election in November. If Prop V sends out a hit piece in District 1 attacking “Eric Mar and the School Board” for opposing JROTC, will they likewise be required to disclose it as a contribution? |