In this article, we often say that Don Perata is “associated with” a political committee. Here’s what that means: In most of the cases mentioned, public records and interviews reveal multiple links between the senator and a PAC. For example, Californians United last year was funded by several of the senator’s top donors, it employed many of the same consultants he hires for his other campaigns, and it had Sandi Polka, his most trusted adviser, on its payroll. In a few cases, which represent a fraction of Polka’s earnings, the only public association with Perata was that the committee had hired Polka. On the surface, that seems a circular association, but not so in the state capital. According to multiple Sacramento sources, it’s widely understood that when a PAC hires Polka, it is with Perata’s blessing. In effect, her involvement in a campaign signals his involvement.
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