Political Fundraising Increases

While a recent report says the US economy is bouncing back somewhat, it can’t compare to the increase in political fundraising involving candidates in Michigan. Those running for the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives have reported raising more than 20 million dollars so far this election cycle, according to reports filed with the Michigan Bureau of Elections and compiled by the nonpartisan Michigan Campaign Finance Network. That total is up by more than 16 percent compared to the same point in the 2010 election cycle, which was the last time both chambers of the legislature were on the ballot. Michigan House candidates reported raising more than 10 million dollars through July 20th. That is 10 percent ahead of the pace of the 2012 election cycle, when state representative candidates had raised $9.6 million dollars through the pre-primary campaign finance reports. Michigan Senate candidates have reported raising $9.7 million through July 20th. That total is up by 5.2 percent compared to the $9.2 million raised by Senate candidates at the corresponding point in the 2010 election cycle. That is the last time all 38 Michigan Senate seats were up for election.