LETTERS

Editor:

Thanks for shining some light on the evils of money in politics by publishing “Legal Groups Leading in Political Contributions” by Rene’e Beasley-Jones in the Nov. 24 San Diego Business Journal.

After detailing the Association of Trial Lawyers of America as the top of the list of contributors, it’s laughable to hear the president of ATLA (David Casey of Casey Gerry Reed & Schenk LLP) say that “the legal industry, as a whole, is very bipartisan.” The numbers say otherwise, but I couldn’t agree with him more when he said that money creates an undue influence.

While campaign contributions are a legitimate means of support, I’m concerned that personal injury lawyers purchase a disproportionate share of influence over the legislative process. They invest millions of dollars to stack the Legislature with accomplices willing to open the floodgates of litigation (just another “business tax” ultimately paid by consumers) while increasing the wealth of the trial bar. Of course, they take cover under the name of “consumer protection.”

Perhaps voters should inquire of candidates whether they are representing the interests of citizens or simply hiding behind the “consumer protection” banner to fund Lear Jets for trial lawyers.

Dave Rowley
San Diego