Lawmakers Busy Raising Money

Although they are nearly halfway through the 1995 legislative session, California lawmakers have sent Gov. Pete Wilson only one bill.

They have been much busier raising campaign money. More than 100 fund-raising events have been held, an Associated Press review found.

The typical asking price for a breakfast, lunch, cocktail party or dinner with a lawmaker is $500 per person, although some events run up to $1,000 a head.

“Our elections have become a money marathon that corrupts the political process and creates a government beholden to the wealthy interests that have the resources to finance the race,” said Ruth Holton, executive director of the Common Cause citizens lobby’s California branch.