Fight back against big money in #CA17: GOTV for Mike Honda

How can we fight back against the Venture Capital and Enron hedge fund money pouring into California’s 17th congressional district? Get Out The Vote by going door to door or by phone to make sure those already committed to Mike Honda cast their ballots.

Of the over 1200 people running for congress in the country, Honda’s opponent, Ro Khanna was already #2 with “Fat Cat” donors that have maxed out their $2600 limit. Now one of Khanna’s donor’s, Ash Chopra, perhaps stifled by the federal limits on personal contributions, started a Super PAC with the express purpose of supporting Khanna. Thanks to the Citizens United ruling, Super PAC’s are unencumbered on raising and spending money in campaigns. Federal Election Committee filings show Ash Chopra’s Californians for Innovation Super PAC has raised $480,000 and as of 10/15 has spent $305,306.

The biggest donors are Texas Enron billionaire John Arnold and his wife Laura who have each given $125,000. Arnold has also given $300,000 to back a Michelle Rhee supported candidate running for California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction. Along with Arnold, whose goal is to weaken teachers’ unions and privatize schools, is a list of venture capitalists and investors lining up to throw thousands of dollars at Ro Khanna’s Super PAC.