2012 may see a huge increase in political ad spending in Michigan

Steve Carmody — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:34:30 +0000

One analyst expects Michigan will be awash in political advertising from special interest groups in 2012.

A 2010 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court largely took the restrictions off special interest political advertising.

Michigan Supreme Court to consider who should prosecute violations of the state's election laws

Steve Carmody — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:43:00 +0000

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments tomorrow involving Meijer officials who may have violated state campaign finance law.

The company financed a public relations campaign to kick out village trustees who opposed Meijer’s plans to build a new store in their community. The move may have violated Michigan’s campaign finance law, which bars corporations and their agents from making campaign contributions. The Grand Traverse Eagle has done a great job covering the case.

Alan Schneider is Grand Traverse County Prosecutor. He’s wanted to pursue an investigation against the Meijer officials. But attorneys for the Meijer officials involved say only the Secretary of State’s office has the authority to prosecute campaign finance cases. Alan Schneider says the Michigan Supreme Court must decide who’s right.

“If there’s a crime, that’s a state crime, we are obligated to prosecute.”

The whole issue could be moot. Last year, the US Supreme Court struck down federal laws barring corporations from making political contributions.

Meanwhile, Meijer has paid millions of dollars in settlements to the state and the targeted village trustees.

citizens united

2012 may see a huge increase in political ad spending in Michigan

Michigan Supreme Court to consider who should prosecute violations of the state's election laws