Update: The Lawyers' Big Money
Plaintiffs' Lawyers Contribute $4.3 million Through September 30, 2000

SACRAMENTO - The Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) reported today that California trial lawyers contributed $4.3 million to incumbents and candidates in statewide and legislative races between January 1, 1999, and September 30, 2000.

More than $3.3 million of the total came directly from individual lawyers and law firms. The remaining money (just under $950,000) was contributed through trial lawyer political action committees.

"In the final weeks before the election the number is bound to increase markedly," commented John H. Sullivan, CJAC president. "Experience has shown they like to stay under the radar with big contributions to these races late in the game."

He noted that in the 1997-1998 election cycle, trial lawyers ended up giving $10.3 million to statewide and legislative officeholders and candidates.

Reports filed at the Secretary of State's office show that legislators and candidates for legislative office received the bulk of the Year 2000 total ($3,185,000). Statewide office holders received the remaining $1,098,000. (As incumbents who are not on the November ballot, these recipients have not been required to file contribution reports since June 30.)

Sullivan said that political contributions are a legitimate part of our freedom to communicate and select government representatives. However, the public should know when a powerful few are running a massive program to elect representatives to promote their narrow agenda.

Contributions by recipient and prior year contributions can be found by visiting www.cjac.org and selecting the "research" button.