Fresno fundraiser set for GOP VP pick Ryan

Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the running mate of presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, will be in Fresno on Sept. 8 for a dinner fundraiser.

According to an invitation being circulated, it will cost $1,000 per person to get in the door of the Fresno Convention Center's Valdez Hall, where the event will be held. Costs go up from there -- to $25,000 per couple.

The event follows close on the heels of a high-dollar lunch fundraiser for Romney at the Sanger home of prominent west-side rancher John Harris. That event attracted a select number of big-money donors and raised more than $1 million -- a first for a single Valley fundraising event.

Co-sponsors of the Ryan visit include Harris, west-side grower Mark Borba, Groppetti Automotive group and Visalia Ford owner Don Groppetti, Dr. Noel Stoker of Clovis, Fresno County Supervisor Debbie Poochigian, former California Secretary of State Bill Jones and Reps. Jeff Denham of Turlock, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Devin Nunes of Visalia.

-- John Ellis

Westerlund uses funds for state Bar dues

Fresno City Council Member Larry Westerlund's most recent campaign finance report shows he used $500 of campaign cash to pay his California State Bar dues.

It is, said campaign ethics expert Bob Stern, a questionable use of political money.

"If I were advising him, I'd say not to do it," Stern said.

Westerlund stands by his use of the money. He said he consulted his campaign treasurer, who asked whether paying his Bar dues would be using it for a political purpose. Westerlund said the association, "by its nature," is political.

The State Bar, he said, takes positions on ballot initiatives and weighs in on judges, which are political decisions.

Westerlund -- who has been a member of the Bar since December 1994 -- added that maintaining a membership is important because he does "a lot of legal work" for the city.

He said he has helped draft documents and review and draft resolutions, though only in an unofficial capacity as a council member. He also said he is a second set of eyes who can give a council perspective on issues being handled by the city attorney.

"I rely on my license all the time," he said. "It does buy some credibility if you disagree with a position the city attorney's office is taking. It helps to be able to say, 'I have my law license, too.' "

The Fair Political Practices Commission -- which acts as the state's political watchdog -- doesn't comment on specific issues, but officials there said the general rule for the use of campaign funds is that an expenditure must be "reasonably related to a political, legislative or governmental purpose."

Stern, who noted the amount is fairly small, didn't see any relation between a city council member and Bar dues. If Westerlund was a district attorney or attorney general, or was running for those offices, he said the expense is appropriate because Bar membership is required.

But, for Westerlund, "you can still be a city council member and not be an attorney. It's certainly not a requirement for office."

-- John Ellis

Democrats Costa, Garamendi hit town

Two prominent Democrats are working Fresno fundraisers this week.

On Wednesday night, Rep. Jim Costa bought out Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater, treating donors to the Good Company Players' production of "Calamity Jane" featuring country music star Louise Mandrell.

Costa said it looks like the event netted more than $200,000. Costa said 75% of his guests were Republican.

Source: http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/08/24/2963855/fresno-fundraiser-set-for-gop.html

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