For the Calderons, politics and its money are the family business
Capitol and California - Political, Government and Election News - The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California:
Top Ron Calderon Articles see all Los Angeles Times
Exclusive: Hollywood sting | Al Jazeera America
Top Ron Calderon Articles see all Los Angeles Times
Exclusive: Hollywood sting | Al Jazeera America
Ronald Calderon News Feed
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July 13--SACRAMENTO -- Ian Calderon's introduction to the family business began at the ripe age of 1.
His dad, Charles Calderon, then a state senator, staged a carnival for his son's birthday at their Montebello home in 1986. The senator used $2,000 in political contributions to pay for the backyard bash, and the guest list included campaign supporters and political pals.
"So what?" Charles Calderon testified in an unrelated court case four years later. "I've been doing this ever since I was in public office."
Ian Calderon had another birthday party last October. He was 27 years old and the party was at a tony restaurant a block from the Capitol. This time, he was the one who invited campaign supporters, hoping to collect up to $3,900 a head for his state Assembly bid.
The father and son mark the beginning, and possible future, of a political dynasty that has spanned three decades, a family infused into the blue-collar neighborhoods east of Los Angeles where the Calderon surname has appeared on local ballots for two generations.
The Calderons have flourished in the sometimes ruthless environs of the California Assembly and Senate, where four family members have served in the carpeted chambers: brothers Charles, Ronald and Tom, and Charles' son. They've cut reputations for raising campaign cash and reigning over the Legislature's powerful "juice committees," those overseeing banking, insurance and other industries that have the cash to bankroll political campaigns.
They use their political muscle to help one another, squeezing political opponents, pushing legislation
AND More on the Breaking Scandal: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee and the Calderon Scandal
Capitol and California - Political, Government and Election News - The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California: Top Ron Calderon Articles see all Los Angeles TimesRhee-lated $tory: Michelle Rhee answers Ravitch in New Bookal$o $ee Rhee-lated $tory: Excerpts from "Rhee The Art of the Deal" a new $tory about Corporate Education Reform and the Woman that make$ it Happen!Top Ron Calderon Arti