At a time where corporate money is corroding our political system, it is the view of the California Democratic Party that politicians should be responsive to voters first and money last. Unfortunately, our colleagues in the California State Legislature are advancing a bill, Assembly Bill 84, that would do irreparable harm to our efforts to curb the influence of corporations in our political system.

Assembly Bill 84 would allow the legislative caucus leadership to establish phony “party committees” that can raise virtually unlimited money to fund candidates and campaigns independently of the state party. This means that if the California Democratic Party endorses a candidate our legislative leadership opposes, they can bypass us entirely. This would also result in the voices of the grassroots activists that make up a substantial portion of our party being further drowned out. This is simply wrong.

Therefore we, the undersigned, strongly oppose the passage of Assembly Bill 84, and call on all elected Democrats in the State Senate and Assembly to vote "No" on its passage.