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Back to Which Way, L.A.?

Which Way, L.A.?

Are Super PACs 'Gutting' Spending Laws in LA Mayor's Race?

Almost 30 years ago, Los Angeles voters approved strict spending limits on political campaigns. Individuals or corporations can contribute $1300 to a primary candidate and another $1300 if there's a runoff election.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Almost 30 years ago, Los Angeles voters approved strict spending limits on political campaigns. Individuals or corporations can contribute $1300 to a primary candidate and another $1300 if there's a runoff election. But in this year's race for Mayor, one third of the money raised by Wendy Greuel and Eric Garcetti — $6 out of $17 million — has come from so-called "Super PAC's" which have virtually no limits on them at all. Ben Bycel was executive director of the city's Ethics Committee, which oversees the process, in the 1990's.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Anna Scott

    Former KCRW Housing and Homelessness Reporter

  • KCRW placeholder

    Kerry Cavanaugh

    editorial writer at the Los Angeles Times

  • KCRW placeholder

    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

  • KCRW placeholder

    Benjamin Bycel

    Los Angeles City Ethics Commission (formerly)

    News
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