Donors Spend Near-Record Amounts On California Propositions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Supporters and opponents of California's 17 November ballot measures have raised nearly $390 million six weeks before the election, with some of the heaviest spending yet to come.

Reports filed by political donors with the secretary of state's office before a Thursday deadline put the measures about $85 million shy of record fundraising.

That gap is expected to narrow as campaigns shell out more in the final push for votes Nov. 8.

The National Institute on Money in State Politics data shows California ballot measures amassed $471.5 million in 2008, a state record.

An initiative to cap prescription drug prices has drawn by far the most: $100 million in spending, most of it from pharmaceutical companies.

Measures to set hospital fees and tax the wealthy also have attracted big money.