New York-based billionaire George Soros recently pumped $1.5 million into the district attorney race in Los Angeles County. This November contest will determine the direction of the nation’s largest criminal justice system. The massive contribution went to a political action committee seeking to replace the two-term Democratic incumbent with a more progressive, reform-minded prosecutor. The battle to become the top law enforcement official in L.A. has attracted several other deep-pocketed, outside donors. They include five wealthy, high-powered women from the Bay Area who share Mr. Soros’ vision of sweeping institutional change.
Most of them have been bankrolling efforts to oust sitting L.A. County D.A. Jackie Lacey since early this year. Some have also channeled hundreds of thousands of dollars to back a countywide ballot measure that opponents say would significantly reduce funding to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The agency provides policing services to more than forty contract cities and has long been known for operating the biggest jail system in the United States.
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