Campaign contributions are involved in elections at every level of government, including local assembly districts and school board races.
Assembly District 71
Brian Jones, the Republican candidate for the 71st State Assembly District, has raised nearly $225,000 for his campaign, of which $40,000 has arrived since Oct. 1.
Jones is an incumbent running in an overwhelmingly Republican district against Patrick Hurley, a novice political candidate and Democrat. According to Hurley, he has raised less than $5,000. He has not filed any reports with the Secretary of State’s office.
Consequently, Jones can share his largess with other Republican Party candidates. Jones’ largest expenditures ($80,000) are contributions to other races such as Justin Slage’s race for a seat on Cajon Valley School board and Republican political action committees.
Nearly 12 percent of Jones’ contributions were from Indian tribes and bands. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in El Cajon, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians in Temecula and the Pala and Barona Bands of Mission Indians each gave $7,800 to Jones.
Of course, the ubiquitous Munger famly money has come to Assembly District 71. Charles T. Munger, Jr. brother of the Proposition 38 sponsor, Molly, has contributed $7,800 to Jones’ campaign.
Measure U for HUSD
A Committee for Measure U, the effort to provide new financing leverage for Hemet Unified School District, has reported about $30,525 in contributions to support the measure.
Nearly two-thirds of the funding came from two school contractors — PJHM Architects and Barnhart, Balfour and Beatty (who does legal work for HUSD). Less than five percent of funds came from individuals and only 2.29 percent were from Hemet.
HUSD Board
Only two school board candidates have filed October reports. Dr. Lisa DeForest has received about $7,000 in contributions. The largest gift, $1,250, was from M. Amiri.
Candidate Jim Smith reported 32 donors for a total of $7,500, including two $1,000 gifts and two $500 donations. The rest were for $200 or less. He also lent another $1,000 to his campaign.
John Graham reported a $5,000 loan to his campaign as the only funds received.
Neither Marilyn Forst or Boyd Roberts have reported fundraising since July 1.
