LAKE COUNTY – Supervisor Rob Brown said he soon plans to introduce measures to set caps on how much money can be raised in local elections.

Brown said he's working with County Counsel Anita Grant on the language to the local campaign finance guidelines, and that Supervisor Denise Rushing is co-sponsoring the effort.

Following last year's supervisorial election – which he called “astronomical” in terms of fundraising – Brown said he felt campaign finance reform was needed locally.

Between former District 3 Supervisor Gary Lewis and Rushing, about $95,000 was raised for the District 3 race last year, according to the candidates' financial reports. Those numbers far outstripped the more than $30,000 raised in 2004 by Supervisor Anthony Farrington in his successful reelection bid.

Lake County wouldn't be alone if it adopted campaign finance reform. Several of the state's larger counties and cities have reportedly adopted similar measures.

Winning a local election shouldn't be about having the most money, said Brown. “I think candidates should get out and knock doors.”

Brown said he feels it's import to set the standards now, since next year is an election year – he, Farrington and Supervisor Ed Robey all will be up for reelection.

In addition to the Board of Supervisors, Brown said the campaign finance limits also would apply to other elected officials, such as the sheriff, district attorney, assessor-recorder and tax collector, among others. Judges, however, would not be affected, because they are governed by state, not local rules, Brown said.

“I think it's important to get everyone on board,” Brown said.

The reforms will cap individual donations to candidates at $500, with a $1,500 cap for organizations, said Brown.

As to an overall cap on how much candidates can raise, Brown said that hasn't yet been determined, but one formula they're looking at is $1 per constituent.

Brown said adherence to the guidelines will be voluntary. Candidates could reject the guidelines and raise as much money as they want, Brown said, but then they'd be faced with other limits -- $250 per person and $750 per organization.

The measure is expected to be introduced to the Board of Supervisors next month, Brown said.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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