Water war

The top contributor to Republican Darrell Issa’s reelection committee this campaign cycle is internet search giant Google, Inc., with $22,145. Next is the Washington law and lobbying firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr, with $16,500. The company’s lobbying clients include the American Association for Justice — which used to be called the Association of Trial Lawyers of America — and the Beer Institute.

A big local client is the San Luis Rey River Indian Water Authority. According to its website, the authority’s mission “is to ensure that the Indian Bands have a say in the San Luis Rey River Basin’s water use and supply.” According to Wilmer Cutler’s lobbying disclosure statement, the firm’s work for the authority involves “water rights.”

In addition to their lengthy fight for water, the tribes are also battling the Gregory Canyon Landfill. In April, the Army Corps of Engineers turned down the landfill’s application for an operating permit. Fourth on Issa’s top funder list was Sempra Energy, with $13,600.