The days of unlimited campaign contributions for candidates running for Fresno County offices are over. Now, the limit is $30,000 per election cycle (primary and general election), as approved by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, 5-0, at Tuesday's meeting. The limits not only apply to individual contributors but to...
Walters: Tone-Deaf Insurance Czar Lara and His Critics
During his first months as the state’s elected insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara was rocked by disclosures that he had accepted more than $50,000 in campaign contributions from insurance industry sources after pledging to shun such dealings during his campaign. It was not exactly a scandal, since there’s nothing illegal about...
CA Insurance Commissioner 'Sorry' for Taking Industry Donations
SACRAMENTO — California's insurance commissioner apologized Tuesday for accepting campaign contributions from the insurance industry and announced reforms for his office and campaign. Democrat Ricardo Lara had promised during his campaign not to accept contributions from the industry he is responsible for regulating. But he has taken at least $50,000...
Karbassi Keeps Fundraising Lead in NW Fresno Council Race
Less than two weeks from now, voters in northwest Fresno head to the polls to elect a new councilmember. Four of the five candidates campaigning met during a GV Wire debate, which can be viewed here. And the latest financials show that businessman Mike Karbassi has done well for himself...
Who Runs California? A Baker's Dozen of Movers, Shakers & Blockers
One vote can make all the difference, we are told. But in California there are people and forces that wield a thousand — if not a billion — times the power of the voter. That influence flows from talent, persistence and, most of all, money. In the last election cycle,...
Follow the Money: Whelan Flexes Fundraising Muscle
Financial figures are in for the first 111 days of the year of the Fresno City Council campaign. Candidates have released their Form 460, which lists how much money they raised, plus who made donations greater than $100. Certain political committees can donate more. The period covers Jan. 1 to...
Valley Republicans Rake in Big Donations from Gun Rights Groups
Whether you are for it or against it, gun control is again leading the national conversation after one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history killed 17 people Wednesday, Feb. 14. Those killed included 14 students and three faculty members at a high school in Parkland, Florida. The victims ranged in...
Valley Republicans Rake in Big Donations from Gun Rights Groups
Whether you are for it or against it, gun control is again leading the national conversation after one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history killed 17 people Wednesday, Feb. 14. Those killed included 14 students and three faculty members at a high school in Parkland, Florida. The victims ranged in...