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July 12, 2006

Another Schwarzenegger Campaign Promise Swept Away . . .

From Roger Salazar, Communications Director, CDP Democratic Victory 2006

Remember what Recall Candidate for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said about Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante and campaign violations:

"Cruz Bustamante has been skirting and violating the campaign-finance laws passed by the people of California, and today was judgment day," Republican actor Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. [San Jose Mercury News; 9/23/03]

Well, today is judgment day for Governor Schwarzenegger for 143 violations of the Political Reform Act (the campaign-finance laws passed by the people of California).

The governor failed to disclose over $25 million in advertising in support of his Special Election Campaign and he has been fined over $200,000 by the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Speaking of tough campaign finance laws, what happened to that candidate during the recall that ran around with the broom to clean up Sacramento? Looks like he is just sweeping those promises under the rug…

From a "Join Arnold" Campaign Press Release, September 18, 2003 --

“Schwarzenegger Lays Out Agenda for Sweeping Political Reform in Sacramento”

Highlights Included:

A "Fundraising Blackout" During the Budget –

"It’s no coincidence during the budget season from January to the summer is when the Sacramento politicians raise their money, Schwarzenegger said. "As governor, I will ban all fundraising by state officials during the budget process."

"Instant Campaign Disclosure with Enhanced Penalties for Violation" –

"Schwarzenegger proposed requiring disclosure of all contributions …within 24 hours."

"Additionally, Schwarzenegger proposed stiffening the penalties for … campaign disclosure violations" by changing them to "felonies."

Source:
FPPC Press Release
July 12, 2006

Campaign Reporting Violations

In the Matter of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Schwarzenegger’s California Recovery Team, and Thomas Hiltachk, FPPC No. 06-183. Staff: Commission Counsel Kourtney Vaccaro and Political Reform Consultant Wayne Imberi. Respondent Arnold Schwarzenegger, his controlled ballot measure committee Respondent Governor Schwarzenegger’s California Recovery Team, and the committee treasurer Respondent Thomas Hiltachk failed to timely file online or electronically 24-hour campaign reports disclosing independent expenditures, in violation of section 85500, subdivision (a) of the Government Code (143 counts). $200,200 fine.

FPPC Order that was brought before the committee on July 12, 2006