A second Political Action Committee (PAC) - with refinery ties - has produced smear ads against Elizabeth Patterson
By Norma Fox
Benicia

BENICIA, CA / November 5, 2007, 7:49 AM - A second outside PAC group has produced two ads which smear Elizabeth Patterson and praise Bill Whitney. The contributors to this PAC are all industrial/refinery related businesses. The PAC, which goes by the name "California Citizens for Excellence in Government", has (so far) reported total contributions of $12,200 and total expenditures of $19,803. (Since their expenditures exceed their contributions, they're obviously under reporting their contributions.)

Two of their three mailings had full page letters on the back smearing Patterson with unsubstantiated claims, while the front of the mailer sang the praises of Whitney.

A Google search of the contributors reveals that they are all industrial/refinery related businesses - refinery insulation; general engineering, geotech, soils; machinery fabrication & engineering; refinery construction.

Again one must ask why do these companies, all but one located outside of Benicia (Martinez, Vallejo, Concord, Texas) want to attack Patterson? And do they even know Bill Whitney personally? Why are they supporting him?

Given their connection to the refinery industry, one can't help but wonder whether they have business dealings with Valero and whether their contributions may actually be a funnel for Valero money. (More details at beniciaelection2007.blogspot.com)