February 17, 2005

Statement of Derek Cressman, Director of TheRestofUs.org, regarding Arnold Schwarzenegger's Redistricting Proposals

Arnold Schwarzenegger is right to be taking a look at California's legislative and congressional districts, but he is wrong to use big money to push his redistricting agenda. Arnold deserves credit for tackling a tough issue, especially against the opposition of both political parties whose incumbents cut a deal to protect their own turf.

But Arnold is violating reform principles by raising six-figure soft money contributions to advance his redistricting agenda. The McCain-Feingold law prevents federal officeholders from raising money for ballot campaigns in amounts greater than the federal hard money limits. California law prevents officials from raising soft money for ballot campaigns that they control or influence. Arnold is flaunting that law. Worse yet, he has gone to court to get the very law he is breaking repealed.

TheRestofUs.org has asked the California Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate Arnold's soft money fundraising. We call on the Governor today to comply with the law and to drop his lawsuit seeking to overturn a part of California's campaign finance law.

California's current single member districting plan is great for incumbents of both parties, but it does not serve the rest of us well. It is doubtful that our current system of redrawing single member districts will achieve elections that are competitive, accurately represent the state's diverse political landscape, maintain local communities, and hold elected officials accountable to the voters. We're glad Arnold is taking this on and we look forward to considering proposed solutions from the Governor, the legislature, and several ballot question proponents. But we hope that this debate will be conducted without the undue influence of fat cat donors.

#-#-#

TheRestofUs.org is a nonpartisan political watchdog dedicated to alerting citizens to the problems of big money in politics.