California sets high cap on campaign contributions, but cities prefer much lower limits, critics say.

California has set a cap of $5,500 for campaign contributions to city council candidates, but many cities find this limit too high. A report by Common Cause California shows that cities typically cap contributions at about $1,100, a fifth of the state's limit. Only 121 cities have their own laws, with an average cap of $777. Critics argue that higher limits benefit real estate developers and unions.