I lived in Orange County for a very brief while, and then worked for a law firm that was based there.  So, I know the Irvine Company well.  My main frustration with them was that they had a monopoly on the apartments in the Irvine area and used that power as many monopolists do, to exploit their customers.  But the Irvine Co.’s tentacles extend to the politics of Southern California and the state.

Powerful and iconic, the Irvine Co. is one of the heaviest hitters in California politics. But in spending millions to champion a big business agenda, it is a behemoth that prefers to stay in the background.

Whether it’s registering an opinion in the Legislature, helping orchestrate a deal to get a tax measure off the ballot or combining its campaign contributions with other business groups around the state, the Irvine Co. is known for its political stealth and making an impact while leaving no fingerprints.

“Traditionally, they’ve been very involved in California politics, with lots of money, and not just in one year, but it seems like every year they’re involved,” said Bob Stern, president of the Center for Governmental Studies and author of California’s Political Reform Act of 1974. “They’ve just been around a long time and have exercised their influence.”(Sac Bee 4/1/06)

Check the flip…

They are one of Arnold’s biggest contributors; they gave his “Recovery Team”, Schwarzenegger’s special election fund, $150,000.  They have given the California GOP hundreds of thousands of dollars directly, in addition to the massive sums of money they have directed to interest groups and trade associations.  Interestingly, they have also given heavily to open space and consevation measures.

Since 1999, the Irvine Co. has spent more than $1.9 million on lobbying and another $3.6 million in assorted political campaigns, mostly toward ballot measures and to a much more limited extent, toward candidates, according to the secretary of state’s electronic records.
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But Jamie Court of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights sees the company as being more than just another player when it comes to financing and articulating the interests of big business in the state.

“They’re very much a behind-the-scenes player,” Court said.(Sac Bee 4/1/06)

The SacBee article referenced in the blockquote has more information about the Irvine Co.’s contributions.  It’s a good idea to know who is on the other side.