Interest groups file quarterly statements in which they must disclose spending in four areas. Detail is required in the first three categories, but not the fourth, where the bulk of spending often occurs.
As an example, here is the cover page from a quarterly lobbying statement filed by Chevron. Almost half of the corporation's reported lobbying expenses in California are in this non-itemized catch-all category.
Scroll down to see an interactive chart that shows the total reported lobbying expenses and the percentage in this category for the 30 highest spending California interest groups.
■ Download an 11-page PDF of Chevron's lobbying statement for the first quarter of 2012
Top 30 lobbying interests
Note: Does not include lobbying of the California Public Utilities Commission
Source: California Secretary of State
• Read more articles by Sharon Okada
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