California

quaint

(2,564 posts) Sun Feb 25, 2024, 10:52 AM Feb 25

California lawmakers can't take lobbyist donations -- unless they're running for Congress

LATimes

State Sen. Susan Rubio has a powerful position in Sacramento. As chair of the Insurance Committee, the Baldwin Park Democrat can help pass or kill any legislation affecting that industry.

Due to a law meant to prevent corruption, Rubio can’t accept campaign donations from insurance lobbyists — or any other lobbyists — as she raises money for her 2026 reelection to the Legislature. State law forbids California lobbyists from donating to the campaigns of state lawmakers.

But there are no such restrictions on lobbyists donating to campaigns for federal office, even when the candidate is a state lawmaker. So as Rubio runs for Congress this year, she can take donations for her federal campaign from lobbyists who may seek to influence her votes in Sacramento.

And she is.

Of course, she isn't the only one.

2 replies

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California lawmakers can't take lobbyist donations -- unless they're running for Congress (Original Post) quaint Feb 25 OP

With an endorsement from State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, no less Auggie Feb 25 #1

That would be under federal law. Have our congress approve such a law? FAT CHANCE! Wonder Why Feb 25 #2

Auggie

(31,172 posts)

1. With an endorsement from State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, no less

Reply to quaint (Original post)

Sun Feb 25, 2024, 11:33 AM

Feb 25

Wonder Why

(3,205 posts)

2. That would be under federal law. Have our congress approve such a law? FAT CHANCE!

Reply to quaint (Original post)

Sun Feb 25, 2024, 01:03 PM

Feb 25

Unfortunately, I'd bet that if we had a Democratic control of both houses plus the presidency, they still would not vote for it. They couldn't even pass a tax on the rich or even Obamacare!

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