Arizona group under fire for influence in California election

October 31, 2012

The presence of independent expenditure groups in the current election season has been dominant, with millions of dollars flowing in for and against candidates and ballot measures.

The Arizona-based Americans for Responsible Leadership has been directing money against Proposition 204—the so-called quality education and jobs initiative—and Proposition 121, also known as open elections/open government.

But it’s the involvement -- $11 million worth -- of Americans for Responsible Leadership in two California initiative campaigns that has drawn the attention of Common Cause of California and has led to a legal complaint.

Providing some insight is Ann Ravel, chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission—which will hear the complaint Wednesday.