Republican Assemblyman Bob Huff has introduced a measure that would prohibit campaign fundraising by lawmakers and the Governor from mid-May, when the budget revision is released, to the date when a budget is enacted.   “This bill is an attempt to get our own house in order, to focus on the budget, as opposed  focusing on raising funds.”

Ned Wigglesworth with TheRestOfUs.org, which tracks money in politics, says Huff’s bill won’t do anything to staunch the flow of money.  “Blackouts are generally focused on the appearance of money influencing politicians, any reduction would be slight.”

Assemblyman Huff has the Schwarzenegger Administration on his side but acknowledges his colleagues in the legislature will be reluctant to mess with the status quo. His bill faces its first committee hearing next month.