Complaints by business and industry on issues such as over taxation and regulation
run rapid in the Golden State. But adding insult to injury it appears that while
business and industry are the largest contributors to state lawmakers it would appear
that others have the ear of lawmakers. 

Helping to clarify the rumors and innuendo associated with those who have peddled the
most influence at the state capitol through political donations and contributions, the
Berkeley-based nonprofit and self proclaimed non partisan research organization,
MAPlight.org in a recent analysis shows that business groups are the ones dominating
political donations in California.  According to the analysis nearly 40 percent of
lawmakers' campaign money came from business and trade associations over the past
three years.  Private citizens gave nearly 17 percent followed by labor unions at nearly
16 percent. Rounding out the rest were uncategorized organizations at nearly 13 percent
and political parties at almost 12 percent.

You have to ask, what has it bought?

To view the full report, go to http://maplight.org/investing-in-influence-610.