Issue Position: Opposing Special Interest Power

Issue Position

Powerful interests spent nearly $300 million in 2013 to influence the state Legislature. Combined with hyper-partisan politics, this spending spree has fueled the current atmosphere in Sacramento where money and power carry far more weight than the best interests of the public. In fact, a recent study ranked California's legislature as the most polarized in America -- worse even than Congress.

The solution is to elect candidates who have proved their independence from these narrow special interests. I believe that, if you aspire to public service, you should focus on problem solving, rather than pandering to special interest power.

I have demonstrated my independence by:

* Supporting candidates who were not endorsed by my party leaders, but rather brought fresh thinking and broad perspective to the Legislature.
* Standing virtually alone, in the face of heavy-handed union threats, to support a ban on public transit strikes, such as the BART strike, that harm our economy and disrupt our lives.
* Supporting pension reforms that ensure the public system is solvent without taxpayer bailouts.

I am also a pro-business leader who believes that growing our economy and creating jobs is a top priority. That has not stopped me from taking strong stands in the public interest. For example, I support standards to reduce carbon pollution that contributes to global warming, and to require full disclosure and extensive testing for health risks from oil fracking.

As your State Senator, I will continue to stand up to special interests, even if they are supportive of me, whenever I believe their narrow interests conflict with the public interest. My agenda includes:

* Breaking the link between legislating and campaign donations. I support banning all donations and fundraising for legislative candidates during the last 60 days of the legislative year -- when much of the deal-making and shenanigans take place.
* Supporting and strengthening our open primary. The open primary system allows more moderate and independent leaders from both parties to advance to the general election and helps break the stranglehold of narrow interests.
* Creating more transparency in the campaign process. My Transparency Pledge demands that all candidates fully disclose every secret promise they make to special interests through the ubiquitous "campaign questionnaire." This is a vital reform if we are to change the culture of Sacramento and elect a more independent legislature.

I consider it a healthy part of our democracy to have an arm's length relationship even with groups that I generally support. It is vital to maintain this perspective so you can serve all the people. Interest groups have a place as forceful advocates, but balance and longevity in public policy comes from legislators who pledge allegiance to all our citizens.

Source