Chairman of state campaign watchdog panel announces resignation
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Former state Sen. Ross Johnson cited health reasons Wednesday in resigning as chairman of the state Fair Political Practices Commission, which enforces ethics and campaign finance laws in California.
Johnson, who will step down at the end of this month, said his decision was ‘entirely personal and the result of recently discovered health issues.”
His tenure has been marked by aggressive enforcement that has resulted in numerous fines against state elected officials for failing to report campaign spending and gifts from lobbyists.
“I believe that sunshine is the best disinfectant in the political process, and I am confident that the good work of the commission will continue,” he said. Johnson was appointed to the panel in February 2007.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger may appoint someone to complete Johnson’s term, which ends Jan. 31, 2011. Because the governor’s other appointee is a Democrat, the interim chair must be registered with another party, or as an independent.
-- Patrick McGreevy
