CA-26,  Tony Strickland

CA-26: Stanislaus County Republican Party Loves Tony Strickland

Why is this important?

Scott Lay lays it out and how the laundering operation works for both Republicans and Democrats.

Tony Strickland, who recently decided to run for congress rather than re-election to the state senate has unusual support from the Republican Party 300 miles away in Stanislaus County. Unusual, that is, unless you know California’s campaign finance laws. In general in this cycle, donors to state candidates are limited to $7,800 ($3,900 each for the primary and general). However, donors can give $32,500 the state accounts of party county central committees, and spread it to several counties. In turn, party central committees wash the money and can give it in unlimited amounts to candidates.

Both parties use this laundering method, which was knowingly written into Prop. 34, so please don’t take this as an attack on Tony or Stanislaus RCC. However, it’s a mockery of state contribution limits.

The funny thing is that Strickland cannot use his state account for his federal Congressional run. Reportedly, Strickland will be returning some state account contributions to donors.

But, who is to say these donors will not turn around and cut new checks to Strickland’s FEC regulated CA-26 campaign account?

In any case, this illustrates a loophole in the law and why the supposed California campaign finance reform law, really is a crock.

How about unlimited contributions with instant internet dosclosure when the check, say over $1,000, is cashed?

Nahhhh, too simple.