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Ethics, lobbying and campaign finance reform
It was welcome news when Governor Snyder announced during his 2012 State of the State address that he believes Michigan needs campaign finance, lobbying and ethics reforms. The Michigan Campaign Finance Network is grateful that the Governor has the political courage to acknowledge the problem. We look forward to contributing to a serious public dialogue and, we sincerely hope, authentic positive action.
Top PACs have raised $12.7M
Michigan's top 150 PACs have raised $12.7 million so far this election cycle. Manuel J. "Matty" Moroun and his family have given $96,500 to strategically important PACs already this year in their campaign to block a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor. Follow the money!
Independent spenders dominated MI in 2010
Independent spenders overshadowed candidates’ committees in financing Michigan’s most prominent 2010 election campaigns. Details are contained in the 2010 Citizen’s Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance.
- Press Release: Independent spenders dominated 2010 Michigan campaigns
- 2010 Citizen's Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance
DIBC spent $4.7M, reported nothing
The Detroit International Bridge Company has spent $4.7 million for a grassroots-lobbying television ad campaign opposing the New International Trade Crossing. DIBC is not even registered as a lobbyist.
The recession is over - for lobbyists
Michigan lobbyists are spending at a record-setting rate. See who is spending and who they're wining and dining.
$70 million hidden in plain view
Some $23 million in television advertising that affected every major statewide election campaign went unreported in 2010. That makes a total of $70 million in phony "issue" ads that were not reported since 2000. Had enough of secret campaign spending?
- Press Release: Campaign transparency hit new lows in Michigan in 2010
- $70 Million Hidden in Plain View - Michigan's Spectacular Failure of Campaign Finance Disclosure, 2000-2010
- Dashboard of Campaign Finance Accountability, 2010
The RGA's $114M shell game
The Republican Governors Association used a network of state PACs to spend more in 2010 than the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Action Network, American Crossroads, Crossroads GPS and the Service Employees International Union - combined. The RGA's $8.7 million Michigan operation illustrates how one set of donors was swapped for another and campaign accountability was lost in the shuffle.
- Press Release: The RGA's $114M shell game
- Michigan contributors to the RGA 527 committee
- Contributors to the RGA MI PAC