The State Worker
Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

By Jon Ortiz
September 24, 2012

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees contributed $1.5 million to defeat Proposition 32, part of $3.48 million given by labor unions and politicians within the last week.

The campaign supporting the campaign finance-reform initiative raised about one-tenth over the same period.

Records filed with the California Secretary of State’s Office show that the Teamsters, SEIU Local 1000 and the California Labor Federation has each donated $500,000 to fight the measure since Sept. 17.

Two politicians up for re-election on the Nov.6 ballot also kicked in to the No on 32 campaign. San Francisco Democratic Sen. Mark Leno gave $10,000. Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, gave $5,000.

Controller John Chiang gave $10,000. Chiang is termed out of office in 2014, but has a campaign committee to run for state treasurer that same year.

The donations pushed the No on 32 campaign’s collections to $40.1 million through Friday.

Meanwhile, the Yes on Proposition 32 campaign took in about $165,000 during that same period. George Hume, chairman of San Francisco-based food processing company Basic American Foods, gave $100,000, according to state records. The Lincoln Club of San Diego County gave $50,000. The group’s website says it supports “business-friendly candidates and ballot measures that reflect the Club’s commitment to responsible public policy, the expansion of economic opportunity, and an enhanced quality of life throughout San Diego County.”

Between campaign donations and independent committee money that paid for ads supporting the measure, Proposition 32 proponents have raised a little more than $8 million.

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