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Millions in MI political ads undisclosed
A five-party multi-million dollar issue ad campaign illustrates the role of nonprofit advocacy corporations in contemporary campaigns. Read what Mentzer Media Services has done in Michigan.
- Press Release: Millions in Michigan political ads unreported
- Undisclosed presidential issue ads, through May 10, 2012
Top PACs have raised $22.2M this cycle
Michigan's money-in-politics sector is thriving again. The state's top 150 PACs have raised $22.2 million so far this election cycle, up by 12.2% compared to two years ago. Follow the money!
- Press Release: Top PACs have raised $22.2M this cycle, up 12.2%
- Top 150 Michigan state PACs, 01/01/2011-04/20/2012
Task force calls for more transparency, less partisanship in Supreme Court selection
After a year-long study, the Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force has released its report and recommendations for improving the state’s process for selecting Supreme Court justices. Led by two veteran Michigan jurists, Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly and Senior Judge James L. Ryan of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the task force called for more transparency, less partisanship and a better informed electorate as elements of an improved Supreme Court selection process.
- Press Release: Bipartisan task force calls for more transparency, less partisanship in Supreme Court selection process
- Michigan Judicial Selection Task Force: Report and recommendations
Finance reports suggest limits of congressional competition
Michigan candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives have filed their campaign finance reports for the first quarter of 2012. Those reports suggest a limited number of competitive primaries and even fewer competitive races in the November general election.
- Press Release: Campaign reports suggest limits of congressional competition
- MI congressional candidates fundraising through 3/31/2012
Michigan graded 'F' for transparency and accountability
Michigan is graded 'F' for numerous failures of transparency and accountability in a new 50-state study sponsored by the Center for Public Integrity, Global Integrity and Public Radio International. The evaluation looked at more than 300 indicators in areas including campaign finance and lobbying disclosure, ethics enforcement, access to public information and officeholder accountability. Michigan was one of seven states tagged with a failing grade in the State Integrity Investigation.
Independents outspent candidates by 50%
First quarter television advertising in Michigan related to the 2012 presidential election stands at $7.6 million. SuperPACs and nonprofit “issue” advertisers outspent the candidates’ campaign committees by 50 percent.
- Press Release: Pres TV 2012: Independents outspend candidates by 50%
- Michigan Presidential TV Advertising - 1st Quarter 2012
MI lobbyists spent record $35M in 2011
The recession is over for Lansing's money-in-politics sector. Lobbyists spent a record $35.3 million in 2011 and legislators enjoyed $250,000 in dining welfare. Read about the big spenders and the Silver Spoon Supper Club.
- Press Release: Record spending by MI lobbyists in 2011
- Top 200 Michigan State Lobbyists - 2011
- Silver Spoon Supper Club - 2011