Money and politics ... 

In a political season that seems to portend much political change, some things remain the same in California. Just as in the 2008 election, contributions to Democratic Party candidates still led Republican donations by nearly two to one, though there’s been an uptick for the GOP, according to campaign filings.

Lois Capps, the democratic six-term congresswoman for the 23rd California district, raised $891,390 as of Oct. 16, less so far than her 2008 total of $1,054,974. Unlike the last go around, her opponent has raised a significant amount of cash, considering the long shot he has of winning. Tom Watson has brought in $477,504, 98 percent of which he’s received from individuals.

Capps received only 55 percent of her money from individuals, with the rest coming from medical and electronic companies, labor unions, lawyers, and lobbyists.

Kevin McCarthy, chief deputy whip for the Republican minority in congress and rising star in his party, has raised $1,918,115, which is a substantial amount—especially considering he’s not running against an opponent.

On the local level, the hottest race has been between the candidates for sheriff, Ian Parkinson and Joe Cortez. Parkinson leads Cortez in contributions with $152,511.45 as of Oct. 16. Cortez was not far behind with $133,908.22.

Mike Zimmerman and Paul Teixeira are duking it out for the open 4th District supervisor seat, and they too seem pretty balanced in the campaign pocketbook. Teixeira brought in $47,836, while Zimmerman brought in $38,613.