New reports show lobbyist and outside group spending in Michigan
Two new reports from Network partner Michigan Campaign Finance Network show an increase in spending by non-candidate groups in the 2010 elections and an increase in spending by lobbyists in the state to wine-and-dine legislators.
Independent spenders spent more than candidate committees in the 2010 election, as shown in MCFN’s newest report, Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance. The report shows that the $9.2 million spent by non-candidate committees in Michigan’s 7th Congressional district is the highest number of any district in the country, and three candidates won state wide elections without spending any of their own money on television advertising. In those state wide races, the report says, only a small fraction of television spending by outside groups was disclosed.
Michigan Campaign Finance Network: Independent spenders dominated Michigan political campaigns in 2010
Earlier in September, MCFN reported on lobbyist spending in 2011. Registered lobbyists in Michigan are required to report their spending when it exceeds certain amounts, and so far lobbyists have spent $19.66 million, up by 11.6% from 2010, and also exceeding the record setting rate in 2008. The report shows the top 200 lobbyist spenders in Michigan.
Michigan Campaign Finance Network: The recession is over – for lobbyists
