nullRecovering CALPIRG policy nut Derek Cressman, 38, is taking on Schwarzenegger and his millions. The guv promised "no more business as usual" in politics, but that's not so for campaign finance: he's pledged to raise $50 million in unrestricted donations for a reform agenda and scheduled umpteen events where heavy hitters pay for seats by his side. Susan Kostal spoke with the watchdog about his group, TheRestofUs.org.

Why take on Arnold?
We haven't singled out Arnold. We've been critical of Kevin Shelley and Cruz Bustamante and many others.

He's not doing anything illegal.
We think he is.

Explain.
We've filed a complaint with the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to have them investigate and stop Arnold's unlimited fund-raising for ballot provisions because it violates state campaign finance law. There is a limit on how much politicians can raise for ballot committees they control. We think that Arnold is in effect controlling the ballot committee and therefore is subject to that limit.

But what if these measures have merit?
Then he should have no trouble raising support from small contributions from regular citizens. That's the best way to determine whether something is valid or popular.

You could argue that the redistricting measure would improve democracy.
Though I agree there is a problem, I am not convinced the ballot measure would improve things much. More like shuffling boxes than blowing them up.

Have you ever met the governor?
No. But I'd like to.

What does it take to meet the governor?
Clearly, if you have $100,000, you can sit down to dinner with him.

What's the worst example of big money influence you've come across lately?
Recently, the governor's committee re­­ported a $1.5 million contribution from Univision chairman Jerry Perenchio. When donors throw around checks like that, it distorts the democratic process and breaks the law. It's over the limit of $22,300 by a factor of 67 and gives Perenchio too much influence over the political process.

Would you ever run for public office? 
No. What sane person wants to spend time sucking up to donors at rubber-chicken dinners over spending time with family?