Michigan Campaign Finance Network

Victory for Impartial Justice

The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Caperton v. Massey Coal Company is a victory for impartial justice and citizens' rights to due process of law, but Michigan's weak campaign finance law may undermine its effect.

Who gave what to whom in Campaign 2008

The 2008 Citizen's Guide to Michigan Campaign Finance includes campaign finance summaries of all state campaigns, lists of top contributors to state officeholders during the 2007-2008 cycle, and lists of top contributors to the state party committees, the legislative caucuses’ campaign committees and the top officeholders’ leadership PACs. The Citizen's Guide is the program you need to know the players in Michigan politics.

Midwest reform groups urge President Obama to support Fair Elections Now

In a letter sent to President Obama, Midwest Democracy Network partner organizations called on President Obama to “use the full powers of the White House” to make much-needed public financing reforms of congressional and presidential elections a reality.

Lobbyists' spending set new record in 2008

Lansing lobbyists spent $34 million in 2008, according to reports filed with the Michigan Department of State. But reporting by multi-client firms is aggregated and doesn't reveal the real lobbying force behind issues.

Poll: Big majority says campaign cash causes bias

By a three-to-one margin, Michigan voters believe that there is a probability of bias when a judge hears a case involving a major financial supporter of his election campaign. Eighty-five percent believe that a judge should disqualify himself from a case involving such a campaign supporter.

MCFN coverage of Campaign 2008

Check MCFN's coverage of Campaign 2008: News releases and campaign finance data.