California campaign watchdog suspends donation rules after a member gives to Sanders

[TexasTowelie]

SACRAMENTO — California’s campaign watchdog agency has suspended a long-standing policy banning its members from contributing to federal candidates after one commissioner donated to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ presidential bid.

The decision by the Fair Political Practices Commission, which is responsible for policing campaign finance in California, is drawing criticism from some political reform advocates and former state officials who say the policy was put in place to avoid an appearance of bias in favor of political candidates whose campaigns are scrutinized by the state agency.

Dan Schnur, a former FPPC chairman who teaches political communication at USC and UC Berkeley, said the policy is important because “board members are entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the state’s elections in a fair-minded and even-handed way.”

“Even the perception of bias undermines the credibility of the board’s decisions,” Schnur said. “If you are going to oversee state elections, then you should be able to restrain yourself from partisan political involvement during your time of service.”

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-12-04/california-campaign-watchdogs-want-to-make-their-own-political-donations

[NurseJackie]

1. Fascinating.

[bluedigger]

2. I would have suspended the commisioner, but I guess it's their call.

[TCJ70]

3. Not sure why the policy exists in the first place...

...wouldn't the best way to be to lead by example? Follow the rules you're supposed to enforce. As long as everyone or no one can donate to candidates this doesn't really matter.