Ben Hueso's political fundraising machine is now in high gear. Last month, Hueso, through his three active campaign committees, reported a positive balance of $204,316.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/01/39403/

The former city councilmember, turned state assemblyman, turned candidate for the open state senate seat vacated by Juan Vargas received some hefty contributions during the month of January.

Donations included $7,800 from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, $4,100 from Fabian Nunez, $10,200 from three native american tribes in San Diego County, and $4,100 from the San Diego and Imperial County Labor Council -- which is headed up by Hueso confidante and candidate for his assembly seat, Lorena Gonzalez.

But Hueso isn't sitting idly by while the campaign contributions come in. He's sharing some of his campaign cash with his brother and taking his son along for expensive stays at fancy hotels.

On January 31, one of Hueso's committees, Re-elect Ben Hueso for Assembly 2012, donated $5,000 to his brother Ruben Hueso and his run for the Pasadena school board.

http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/feb/01/39404/

Hueso also spent $1,458 on hotel accommodations for "candidate and son" for one night at the Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles. According to the disclosure, Hueso was there for a "legislative meeting with Latino Caucus members."

Here are the links to Hueso's three campaign committee filings:

--http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/PDFGen/pdfgen.prg?filingid=1740301&amendid=0 --http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/PDFGen/pdfgen.prg?filingid=1736582&amendid=0 --http://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/PDFGen/pdfgen.prg?filingid=1739302&amendid=0