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When Loni Hancock held a $3,900 fundraiser at Chops Wednesday, it seemed normal enough. Overpriced lunches and cocktail receptions are de rigeur for the Capitol’s lobbying corps that buys the rights to attend these affairs. But this one was a little different. That’s because Hancock is the author of Proposition 15. That measure, which will be on the June ballot, levies a fee on lobbyists, lobbying firms and lobbyist employers to pay for a publicly funded election for secretary of state. In the ballot arguments, proponents of the measure state the initiative is needed because “the current campaign finance system fuels the public perception of corruption at worst and conflict of interest at best.” The state’s lobbyist association, the Institute of Governmental Advocates, decided to send Hancock a little bon bon for the affair — a cake iced with the words “Having your cake and eating it too?” Vote No on Propsition 15. “Even by Sacramento standards, the hypocrisy is astonishing,” said Richard Wiebe, spokesperson for the No on Prop. 15 campaign.  “She’s taking full advantage of the system she characterizes as the root of all that is evil in the Capitol.”  Hancock responded in kind. ”If there were public financing, I wouldn’t be doing it,” she said. “In the meantime, while I am trying to change the rules, I am following the rules.” How sweet it is…

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