Days before Angelenos head to the polls, big-money committees with wealthy backers are still pouring money into local races. Independent committees such as the chamber group are not allowed to coordinate with candidates or their campaigns, but they can be a powerful force in local elections because they are free from fundraising limits. Donors are currently limited to giving $800 to each City Council candidate per election cycle but can shell out unlimited funds for independent committees that support them. The chamber committee is funded, in part, by Chevron Corp. — a fact seized on by critics of Cedillo, who served in the state Legislature for 14 years before winning his council seat four years ago. Rodriguez has also faced criticism over $20,000 in oil industry donations to another independent committee supporting her candidacy.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 04, 2017 13:01 UTC