Health Care Groups Big Donors to Governor’s Ballot Measure Account
The California Hospital Association has contributed more to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's (R) California Dream Team account to campaign for ballot measures than any other donor in 2009, the Sacramento Bee reports (News low in story).
CHA has contributed $500,000, followed by the California Dental Association with a $250,000 contribution. Anthem Blue Cross is among the donors that have contributed $100,000 to the account.
The Bee reports that donors who give at least $100,000 to the California Dream Team are considered part of the governor's "executive team" and receive invitations to two scheduled events at the governor's Brentwood home, four other events in 2009 and access to "regular 2009 conference calls."
The governor's fundraising has sparked criticism from government watchdogs who argue that the events raise the possibility of special interest groups fostering a relationship with the governor to further their legislative interests.
Julie Soderlund, a spokesperson for Schwarzenegger, dismissed the concerns, saying the events let donors hear about the governor's vision for California, rather than pitch their agenda's to him (Goldmacher, Sacramento Bee, 4/21). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.