Backers of an initiative to change the way California draws its political districts filed a complaint Thursday against Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata and the state correctional officers union charging that they violated state laws governing political contributions.
Jeannine English, president of AARP California, filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission, arguing that the union inappropriately used Perata's political account as an intermediary to contribute $577,000 against Proposition 11.
The redistricting initiative on the November ballot is backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Bee reported Monday that the California Correctional Peace Officers Association had given the money, including $477,000 in the past month, just as it is seeking a new contract with a raise in the Capitol.
CCPOA spokesman Lance Corcoran said Tuesday that there is no connection between the donations and its contract talks.
English said CCPOA should have given the money directly to the No on Proposition 11 campaign. She demanded that Perata return the CCPOA money immediately because she believes it is earmarked to fight Proposition 11.
Perata campaign spokesman Paul Hefner said the senator has not decided whether to use those donations to fight Proposition 11 or for other measures. Perata said the complaint was "the cheapest form of political theater" filed by "people who fancy themselves as being more important than politicians."
Lawmakers and Schwarzenegger commonly raise money in their initiative accounts and then transfer it to committees fighting or supporting the specific measures.
The Yes on Proposition 11 coalition has itself benefited in the same way. Schwarzenegger has transferred more than $2.4 million this year from his California Dream Team account to the Yes on Proposition 11 committee, money that donors could have given directly to the Yes on Proposition 11 campaign.
Common Cause spokesman Derek Cressman said the difference is that CCPOA made the bulk of its contributions to Perata in the last month of the session, at the same time that it is seeking a new contract.
But he would not call for a ban on donors to Schwarzenegger's California Dream Team as the governor engages in budget negotiations and reviews bills to sign or veto.
FPPC Executive Director Roman Porter said his commission is reviewing the complaint and has 14 days to respond to English.
Besides its contributions to Perata's committee, CCPOA on Thursday donated $250,000 directly to Citizens for Accountability, the committee fighting Proposition 11, according to state campaign records.
Call Kevin Yamamura, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5548.
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