The California Democratic Party is considering a new policy that would require party leaders to fully disclose any compensation they receive to advocate for a statewide ballot initiative or candidate for state office. The push for transparency comes after Eric Bauman, chairman of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and a candidate for state party chairman, faced criticism after his political consulting firm was paid by opponents of Proposition 61, which voters rejected on Nov. 8. The statewide ballot measure sought to lower prescription drug prices by requiring that state agencies pay no more for medicines than the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. Democrat Susie Shannon of Los Angeles said the new policy is necessary so party members know if any party leaders are being paid to lobby them on behalf of a ballot measure or candidate. The issue came before the rules committee at the California Democratic Party’s executive meeting in San Diego this weekend.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 20, 2016 18:48 UTC