Independent billboards supporting reelection of Jim Cooper showing up in 9th district

Although Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D - Elk Grove) has an enormous financial advantage over his three challengers in the contest for California's 9th Assembly seat, he nonetheless is receiving significant financial support from an independent expenditure committee.

That committee, which calls itself the California Labor and Business Alliance (CLAB), has recently expended $54,608 on behalf of Cooper's reelection bid for a fourth term. According to a description on the California Secretary of State's website CLAB is self-described as "sponsored by building trades, correctional peace officers and apartment rental organizations, and energy providers."   

According to a disclosure filing, along with the Cooper billboard expenditures, CLAB also recently spent $54,166 on digital advertising in support of Republican Assemblymember Jordan Cunningham, who represents the 35th Assembly District in the San Luis Obispo area. 

Although Jordan is considered a moderate Republican, the 35th is regarded as a swing area and the only coastal Assembly district still held by the GOP. Jordan is challenged by Morro Bay City Councilmember Dawn Addis.

Among the Cooper billboards is the one pictured above on southbound Power Inn Road just south of Folsom Boulevard in Sacramento. Reportedly, there is another billboard in the southern portions of the 9th District in Lodi.

The CLAB has received $300,000 from Chevron, $150,000 from the State Building and Construction Trade Council, and $109,201 from a group calling itself "Building and Protection a Strong California." According to disclosures Building and Protection has historically been funded with contributions of more than $100,000 from Chevron, PG&E, Edison International, California California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and California Professional Firefighters.   

A phone call to Building and Protection representative seeking comment on the billboard expenditure and their support for Cooper was not returned. By law, independent expenditure committees cannot coordinate campaign efforts with candidates they support. 

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