Prop. 8 attorney becomes top fundraiser as Assembly candidate

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Looking for a state Assembly race that might get some national attention? Look no further than the Sacramento-area 5th district, where Proposition 8 attorney Andrew Pugno is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat.

Pugno, an attorney who helped draft the language of the gay-marriage ban approved by voters in 2008, is the early front-runner to replace Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks).

That pedigree has translated into fundraising prowess as well. Pugno raised close to $480,000 in 2009, according to new campaign finance records. That includes a $100,000 personal loan, but it is by far the best fundraising display of any Assembly candidate.
For a little perspective, Assembly Speaker-elect John Perez, one of the Assembly’s top fundraisers, hauled in $366,000 last year. Assembly GOP leader-elect Martin Garrick raised more than $241,000 during the same period.

-- Anthony York