(December 17, 2009) The California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently took positions on several proposed ballot measures dealing with political reform. 

The Board took the following positions: 

California Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act — SUPPORT

The CalChamber Board voted to support the California Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act.  This proposed measure mirrors the development of the successful “open primary” election system that is in place in Washington State. This system allows the top two vote getters, regardless of party, to compete in the general election and has been validated by the U.S. Supreme Court.  The measure will appear on the June 2010 primary election ballot. 

The CalChamber Board voted to support this measure because they believe it will increase voter participation and empowers Californians in all state legislative districts to elect candidates who represent the broadest views in their district. 

Voters FIRST Act for Congress — SUPPORT

The CalChamber Board also voted to support the Voter’s FIRST Act for Congress.  

This proposed Act would extend the successful Prop 11 provisions from 2008 to give the Citizens Redistricting Commission the additional authority to draw new boundaries for U.S. congressional districts in 2011.  Currently, there are 53 Congressional districts in California, 34 Democrat members and 19 Republican members.  Only one seat has changed parties over the last decade when Democrat Jerry McNerney defeated Republican Richard Pombo in 11th Congressional District in 2006. 

The CalChamber Board voted to support the measure because it is a critically important part of election reform, helping to make the congressional redistricting process more open, fair and transparent in addition to increasing competition in elections. 

It is anticipated that the Voters FIRST Act for Congress will be in circulation in early January to gather voter signatures in order to qualify for the November 2010 general election. 

California Fair Elections Act of 2008 — OPPOSE

Slated for the June 2010 ballot, this initiative was placed on the ballot by legislation (AB 583/Hancock).  AB 583 was signed by the Governor and became effective on January 1, 2009. It requires the California Secretary of State to place a ballot measure on the June 8, 2010 statewide primary election ballot which, if passed, would institute a pilot program of publicly-financed elections for the office of California Secretary of State. The publically-financed election would be funded by taxing lobbyists, lobbying firms and lobbyist employers. The measure is currently the subject of litigation. A similar measure in Vermont was ruled to violate the U.S. Constitution. An Arizona court has also struck down lobbyist “fees” used to fund a public campaign financing program.   

The CalChamber Board voted to oppose this proposed measure because it violates the Constitution and because the Legislature has no legal authority to submit the provision to the voters for approval. 

Corporate Political Accountability Act — OPPOSE

This measure would restrict publicly traded and privately held corporations with stockholders from making political contributions for candidates, ballot measures and issue advocacy unless the stockholders authorize the contributions through a written resolution. Contributions would be proportionately reduced to an amount equal to the percentage of stockholders voting yes on whether the contributions should be authorized.  The measure was submitted to the Attorney General for preparation of title and summary on November 19, 2009. 

The CalChamber Board of Directors voted to oppose the Corporate Political Accountability Act because, similar to previous versions of this proposal that were opposed by CalChamber, it is unnecessary.  Corporate contributions are already public and contained in mandated Fair Political Practice Commission major Donor reports. In addition, the Secretary of State website contains a user-friendly political activity database. Both sources provide transparency and provide information for shareholders to decide to sell their stocks if they disagree with the corporation's campaign expenditures. In addition, the administrative burden of the bill's provisions could have a chilling effect on business participation in the political process. 

Prohibition on Corporate Campaign Contributions and Expenditures — OPPOSE

This measure would restrict corporations from making political contributions unless shareholders adopt a resolution authorizing the contributions. The measure was submitted to the Attorney General for preparation of title and summary on November 19, 2009

The CalChamber Board of Directors voted to oppose this measure because it raises a number of potential legal issues. 

News Release