Influence of money in California politics

The Investigative Unit’s latest story digs into an alleged web of bribery and corruption in California’s State Senate. A sealed FBI affidavit obtained by Al Jazeera describes an undercover sting operation involving Ronald Calderon, a state senator who allegedly accepted favors and bribes in exchange for sponsoring legislation. What impact could the investigation have on California politics? Is this a sign of needed reform? Join us to discuss and tweet your thoughts using #CalderonSting.

Read more:
Capitol courruption: Inside an FBI sting. Al Jazeera America
FBI: California state senator aided alleged multimillion-dollar fraud. Al Jazeera America

On this episode of The Stream, we'll speak to:

Kathay Feng @KathayCCC
Executive Director, California Common Cause
commoncause.org/ca

Adriana Maestas @LatinoPolitics
Blogger, Latino Politics Blog
latinopoliticsblog.com

Trevor Aaronson @TrevorAaronson
Investigative Unit Reporter, Al Jazeera America

Josh Bernstein @JBreports
Investigative Unit Correspondent, Al Jazeera America

Trevor Aaronson, an Investigative Unit reporter, will host a Reddit today at 1pm EST. Join the conversation here.

What do you think? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.