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PAC spending is expected to be a big part of the 2014 election year in Michigan

Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio
(file photo)

2014 will be a big election year in Michigan and spending by Political Action Committees is expected to be just as big.

Rich Robinson is the director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network.

He says next year will be the first time races for Michigan governor, U.S. Senateand state legislative seats will feel the full force of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision. The ruling knocked down many of the federal restrictions on campaign spending.

“So in a sense I think this is going to be the first time where the culture has really taken hold. So in that sense it’s likely to be a greater presence,” says Robinson.

Robinson predicts Political Action Committees will easily spend more than $100 million in Michigan this year. He says the U.S Senate race alone may attract up to $50 million in PAC spending.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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