Perata money machine in full operation

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/13/10 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

The well-oiled Don Perata political money machine is revving up again in Oakland.

First up: a $25,000 check to City Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente to help organize labor behind a Perata-backed state ballot initiative for cancer research.

Next: Perata's decision to lift a self-imposed $100 individual limit for donations to his campaign this year for Oakland mayor.

The former state Senate leader has long been known for his prowess in raising and spending money, be it for local school initiatives or statewide bond programs. He's also known for spreading much of that money around to consultants close to him and other allies.

So it seemed like business as usual when Perata started transferring funds largely left over from his Sacramento days to a statewide initiative he is backing that would raise the cigarette tax by $1 per pack to fund cancer research.

Perata's Hope 2010 committee, which amassed nearly $1.2 million last year, contributed $150,000 to the initiative in November, after separately signing councilman and labor organizer De La Fuente to a $25,000 contract in August to help qualify the measure for this fall's ballot.

Coincidentally, De La Fuente's contract came as the City Council was considering shifting to an instant-runoff system for the mayor's race - something Perata and De La Fuente opposed. Perata denied any connection, saying any inference of vote-buying was "insulting."

[SmithL]

any inference of vote-buying was "insulting."

peRATa is frequently insulted!

[NormsRevenge]

insulting? lolol

Oakland .. just one more open fire zone on the East Bay.

Why would he want to be Mayor?

DUhh.. follow the DoUgh.

leopards can’t change their spots.

corrupt politicos can’t stop selling influence.