Congressman's company makes large donation to recall effort

SACRAMENTO -- A company owned by Republican Rep. Darrell Issa gave $445,000 to a campaign to recall Gov. Gray Davis, according to papers filed with the Secretary of State Friday.

Records show that Greene Properties Inc., a Vista, Calif. company owned by Issa and his wife, gave $100,000 on May 8 and donated $345,000 this week.

Issa's aides said earlier this month that the congressman planned to help the recall effort with donations to boost the signature-gathering drive. Campaign organizers, a group called Rescue California, will have to gather nearly 900,000 valid signatures to get the recall on a statewide ballot.

The groups has a received $515,000 in donations, according to the recent filing. Political consultants say it could cost as much as $2 million to gather the signatures.

The governor's supporters plan to launch a counter-recall effort, likely focusing on Issa, who is considering placing his name on the ballot as a candidate for governor if the recall qualifies.

Davis reported raising $50,000 into a general campaign committee.

"There is no doubt about it -- this is all about Darrell Issa and his quest for power," Davis spokesman Roger Salazar said. "Darrell Issa is not interested in moving the state forward. He is interested in moving Darrell Issa forward."

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