Shroyer vs the Money Machine

Toni Shroyer definitely has the support of the independent hard working “little people” in Novato. This group may very well end the Democratic Party machines choke hold on who represents Novato on the County Board of Supervisors.

Like it or not political contributions gain leverage in one form or another with politicians. Where your campaign money comes from pretty much defines your constituency. Without campaign money you can only be sainted, coronated or unelected.

Most political pundits initially thought that the younger (46 vs 73 years) Shroyer would wilt before the monetary onslaught of the Democratic State and County money machines. To no surprise to those than know her Shroyer has surged in the polls and like the legendary 1984 Super Bowl commercial introducing Apple’s MacIntosh computer she is threatening to break the mold of the Novato politics and let some sun shine in on thelong taken for granted unsophisticated folks in the northern attic of Marin County. See the Super Bowl commercial here -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axSnW-ygU5g

I was curious as to what was fact or fancy regarding the Democratic money machine Shroyer is up against. She is positive, determined and has a record of success of actually getting things done by walking the walk rather than talking the talk. Arnold on the other hand is the polished professional politician unsullied by working in the private sector world of her constituents. Arnold has a network of codependent donors seeking taxpayer funds to float their special interest boats.  Shroyer has none of this and sleeps well at night.

One of the long recognized political rules is “them that got the gold makes the rules”. Money donated to a politician creates leverage in the form of access or opportunity. Campaign donations create influence and “consideration” to the donor whereas the non-donor gets a pat on the head, a smile and “I really appreciate your interest…”.

The gain some measure of who is in the campaign funding game for the period 1 Jul 13 thru 1 May 14 I listed on a spreadsheet for both candidates  who is playing to play and who from outside the Novato is trying to influence the election by donating money. As important as who is giving the money is where the money is coming from. The State Contribution Reports Form 497 and Form 460 make this possible. For comparison purposes payments to suppliers for campaign purposes except for salaries was added in as they could reflect the use of carryover funds from previous campaigns.

A heavily abused section in these reports is where the donor supposedly lists their occupation and employer. Much of the time companies camouflage their donations by having and individual connected to the company list the donation as personal. Another is the “retired” category used to disguise an actual vested interest with a company or non-profit. By searching the internet these individuals and their relationships can be uncovered. Once discovered they are moved from the Individual donor to the Business Entity category. Particularly cagey are developers masquerading as investors.

The most astonishing result is how few Novato residents who truly have no axe to grind with the County donate money to Arnold. It is evident that the Democratic money machine is currently fueled mainly by donations from sources outside the Novato voting district and consists of Consultants, PACS, current and past Democratic office holders, unions, contractors, developers, and government service providers. Thus, the money machined is defined.

Novato voters have a clear choice i.e. a machine made candidate or a self made candidate. Novato’s vote on the County Board of Supervisors should not be for sale but apparently it is the process of being sold.

Geography  - Where the money came from

                                                                        Shroyer         Arnold                                                                                                                

                                                                                 $62,892      $105,121

Inside Novato
District                                                                         56%                29%                                                                                       
Outside District
Inside county                                                            19%                21%
Outside County
Inside State                                                               24%                47%
Outside State                                                              0%                  4%

Contributors –  Who gave the money

Individuals                                                                 62%                  8%
Business Entities                                                     12%                19%
Consultants                                                               25%                27%
Political Action Committees                                    0                  3%
Candidates/Office Holders Present & Ex           0                11%
Unions                                                                               0                14%
Developers, Investors, Contractors, etc          1%                15%
Government Service Providers                               0                  3%