Proposition 208
Campaign Contributions and Spending Limits. Restricts Lobbyists.
Initiative Statute.
Summary: Limits a contributor's campaign contributions per candidate to $100 for districts of less than 100,000, $250 for larger districts, and $500 for statewide elections. Committees of small contributors can contribute twice the limit. Contribution limits approximately double for candidates who agree to limit spending. Limits total contributions from political parties, and specific committees and individuals. Prohibits transfers between candidates. Limits fundraising to specified time before election. Prohibits lobbyists from making and arranging contributions to those they influence. Requires disclosure of top contributors on ballot measure advertising. Increases penalties under Political Reform Act.
Fiscal Impact: Costs of up to $4 million annually to state and local governments for implementation and enforcement; unknown, but probably not significant, state and local elections costs.
A YES vote on this measure means: Campaign contributions by an individual would be limited to $250 for legislative and local offices and $500 for statewide offices. These limits approximately double for candidates who accept voluntary campaign spending limits. The voluntary spending limits for general elections would be $200,000 for state Assembly, $400,000 for state Senate, $2 million or statewide office (other than Governor), and $8 million for Governor. The measure establishes voluntary spending limits for local elections.
A NO vote on this measure means: There would continue to be no limits on political contributions to candidates for statewide office. There would be no limits on the amounts of money that candidates, their campaign committees, or other support groups can spend in any state election. Local governments could establish their own campaign finance limits.
The State Ballot Pamphlet, published by the Secretary of State, features the text, fiscal analysis, and pro/con arguments.
Official Contact Information
Proponents: Ruth Holton
Tony Miller
916/444-0834
Contact in Support: Californians for Political Reform, A Committee Sponsored by League of Women Voters of California, American Association of Retired Persons-California (AARP), Common Cause and United We Stand America
926 J Street, Suite 910
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-0834
Contact in Opposition: Californians Against Political Corruption
11965 Venice Blvd., Suite 408
Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 397-3404
Related Web Sites
Support: Californians for Political Reform Opposition: Californians Against Political Corruption Neutral: Citizens Research Foundation's Critique and Commentary
This initiative was placed on the ballot
through petition of
the voters.
Source information for this material is
available.
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