Davis Appointees Raise Big Bucks

It seems Governor Gray Davis has help in his prolific fund-raising efforts from a network of people he appointed to state boards and commissions. An investigation by the Sacramento Bee analyzed about 100 Davis appointees and found more than a dozen had either sponsored or organized fund-raisers for him Some of them have been raising money from businesses and individuals they regulate. In one instance, the chairman of the Industrial Welfare Commission, which sets wage regulations, has solicited $100,000.00 for Davis from ten retailers during a 90-minute lunch. The practice breaks no law, but critics say it raises questions about the boards´ objectivity.

The Democratic governor´s fund-raising has become an issue in his re-election campaign against businessman Bill Simon. The Republican challenger regularly accuses him of running a “pay-to-play” administration.