MORE ON: campaign contributions

The companies that make those candy bars leftover from Halloween don’t want Californians to be spooked by scary tales of “Frankenfoods.” The Hershey Co., Nestlé USA and Mars Inc. – makers of such trick-or-treat favorites as Butterfinger, Kit Kat and Snickers bars... + read more

While Gov. Jerry Brown cries foul over $11 million in unidentified money that recently infused the state ballot measure fight, federal races in California and around the country are awash in secret money, too. Advocacy groups that don't disclose donors have dumped more than $200 million... + read more

The focus on billionaires’ and corporations’ contributions to super PACs this year has highlighted the impact of the rich and powerful on the presidential campaigns. But an analysis by the Investigative News Network of contributions by wealthy individuals in seven states shows... + read more

The Sierra Club is spending $625,000 to defeat a Republican lawmaker who has championed one of the environmental organization’s most cherished goals – draining the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park. Campaign finance reports show that in September, the Sierra... + read more

Critics of political donations to school bond campaigns from companies that profit from the bonds are urging federal regulators to take bolder steps against what they call a “pay to play” practice. The California Association of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors, as well as some... + read more

In seeking to sharpen the traditionally ambiguous role of state lieutenant governor, Gavin Newsom has posited himself as a Mr. Fixit for local good government measures under threat from out-of-towners. But as Newsom has thrown his weight behind efforts to reclaim for pedestrians a plaza in San... + read more