Money watch: Outside groups spend $1.7 million on state Senate contest

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The California Correctional Peace Officers Assn. has dropped $215,000 on an independent expenditure against Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero of Salinas, who is running for a state Senate seat against Republican Anthony Cannella, the mayor of Ceres, in one of the most hotly contested legislative races of the year.

So far, outside groups have spent more than $1.7 million on the battle for the Central Valley seat.

The association’s latest cash infusion brings the spending of outside groups to boost Cannella to more than $1.3 million. The California Chamber of Commerce has spent the bulk of that money, investing $985,000 on the race so far.

Caballero’s supporters have spent more than $432,000 on her behalf, led by $398,000 from the Service Employees International Union.

-- Anthony York in Sacramento