Schmidt and Brin clash over use of anti-tax campaign funds in California

Eric Schmidt and Sergey Brin, who together contributed over $100 million to the anti-wealth-tax coalition Building a Better California, are reportedly at odds over the organization’s spending priorities. While both aim to defeat Proposition 40, Schmidt objects to the coalition’s allocation of funds toward additional initiatives like Proposition 45, an environmental measure, rather than focusing solely on the billionaire tax.

The tension grew after California Democrats endorsed Proposition 40 and other related measures, despite the coalition’s heavy financial backing. Schmidt’s advisor says the former Google CEO is not angry about the endorsement outcome but is dissatisfied with the campaign’s effectiveness. Brin continues to provide the bulk of the funding, with other donors including John Doerr, Chris Larsen and Patrick Collison also supporting the effort.