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Judge Allows Audit Of Group Opposing Gov. Brown's Tax Measure

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- A Sacramento judge has issued a tentative ruling allowing California's political watchdog to investigate the donors behind an $11 million contribution to a California ballot measure committee.

Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Shelleyanne Chang's tentative ruling Tuesday will allow the Fair Political Practices Commission to investigate the contribution from an Arizona nonprofit group.

In issuing the ruling, Chang says Americans for Responsible Leadership will have 24 hours to comply with the FPPC's request. The ruling is considered tentative until a hearing set for Wednesday.

ARL gave the $11 million earlier this month to the Small Business Action Committee PAC, which opposes Gov. Jerry Brown's November tax initiative and supports another initiative that would restrict unions' ability to raise money.

The judge said the FPPC has authority to audit the group's records to see whether it triggers any California election laws.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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