FPPC to strengthen definition of campaign 'principal officer'

The California Fair Political Practices Commission is looking to clarify the definition of a "principal officer" on a campaign committee and could adopt a new regulation next month.

Commission Executive Director Roman Porter said the proposed regulation would add to an existing regulation that requires committees to include the identity of the principal officer, or the board of people with primary responsibility for the committee, when they file campaign paperwork.

More strict definitions of that title, Porter said, would help both campaign officials in their filings and the public in knowing who the principal officer is.

"We're always looking for ways to better inform the electorate," Porter said. "This really is trying to address both sides of the equation."

Porter would not comment on whether he believes some campaign committees deliberately misstate who a principal officer is because the title isn't strictly defined.

In at least one ballot measure before voters this November, a group has said a campaign fund committee is hiding who's in charge.

Last week, Citizens for Accountability said that a newly formed campaign committee in support of Proposition 11, "Yes on 11 - Hold Politicians Accountable," had other people listed as primary officers when the group is largely a front for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Citizens for Accountability opposes Proposition 11, a measure that would reform how political districts are drawn, while Schwarzenegger is one of the measure's strongest backers.

Porter said the five-member commission will examine a more detailed proposal for the regulation at its Oct. 16 meeting.