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Presidential TV ads: $7.2M so far
Television advertising for the 2008 presidential general election got a late start by recent Michigan standards. Now the rush is on.
- Press Release: Presidential TV ads: $7.2 million so far
- Michigan Presidential TV Advertising, May - July 2008 (pdf)
A Citizen's Guide to Redistricting
The Brennan Center for Justice has released a timely and valuable new publication, A Citizen's Guide to Redistricting. The Citizen’s Guide is a comprehensive look at the rules for drawing political district lines, including a description of how redistricting works today, how it could work in the future, and why redistricting reform matters.
Poll's message to pols: Fix this mess
A new poll of Michigan residents shows broad dissatisfaction with the performance of state government, but an abiding belief that political reforms could make a significant difference for the better. By a two-to-one margin, Michiganders say they prefer a candidate who understands that we’ll make better progress on "bread and butter" economic issues if we first address the need for political reform.
Blues, utilities pursue similar tactics to policy goals
Two of the major policy initiatives in Lansing this legislative session have been driven by seven-figure advertising campaigns, more than $700,000 in political contributions to legislators so far this election cycle and hefty lobbying campaigns, the extent of which will never be known with any real accuracy.
Top PACs have raised $21.8 million in 2008 cycle
The first campaign finance reports from political action committees (PACs) in six months show the top 150 Michigan PACs have raised $21.8 million so far this election cycle.
Lobbyists' spending in 2007: $32.1 million
Lansing lobbyists spent $32,105,151 in 2007, according to reports filed with the Michigan Department of State. That total is up by six percent compared to 2006.
Grassroots to Legislature: Support Impartial Justice
Grassroots activists brought a simple message to Lansing on February 19th: Michigan’s high-priced and largely secretive Supreme Court election campaigns undermine public trust and confidence in the state’s highest court.