Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under scrutiny due to an online ad revealing her re-election campaign’s funding. The ad stated that campaign donations from supporters would be matched by taxpayer dollars.
In a video posted on her campaign’s account, Bass emphasized the urgency of donations. “Your donation to our campaign right now is more critical than ever,” she stated, with lively music in the background. She explained that through LA’s ‘super match’ program, donations from city residents are matched 6-to-1 by the city. Following the primary, the campaign started anew, increasing the need for contributions.
Bass highlighted that a $5 donation can become $35, while $25 would turn into $175. This program, however, raised concerns about the use of taxpayer funds for campaigns.
“It’s a system they set up to enrich themselves and their friends,” said Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County. “It’s not fraud. Everything is codified just the way they like it,” Hoge added.
The program for mayoral candidates has been around since the 1990s. The match limit has increased over time, with the 6-to-1 match taking effect in 2019. Critics online expressed their disbelief at the program’s legality and endurance.
To qualify for the matching program, candidates must meet specific criteria. They must raise 300 times the maximum matchable amount per donor, have at least 100 donors of $5 or more residing in Los Angeles, possess an opponent, and hold a public town hall or debate. Donations must be from Los Angeles residents.
The maximum qualifying donation is $257, which grows to $1,799 with the 6-to-1 match. The total cap on matched donations surpasses $1.5 million during the general election. The campaign has yet to comment on this matter.