"Exploiting legal loopholes, Democrats in the California Assembly pumped $5.8 million into key campaigns designated by Speaker John A. Pérez last year, our new data analysis shows. Not only did the infusion of cash help the Democrats win a supermajority in the Capitol, the system also paid off for the speaker's biggest fundraisers. According to the data, Pérez gave lawmakers who raised the most money the best assignments in the new Legislature – posts on the speaker's leadership team and seats on the powerful ""juice committees. They control bills affecting the financial bottom line for the Capitol's wealthiest interest groups: from banks, insurance companies and public utilities to casinos, racetracks and liquor distributors.""  Read more"
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