The Lansing State Journal reports that according to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, special interest groups that donate to politicians and political candidates are well on their way to setting a new fundraising record for the 2005-06 election cycle. The top 150 political action committees have already raised 23% more through October 2005 than the top 150 had raised at this point in the 2003-04 election cycle: $13.6 million compared to $11.1 million. Three biggest PACs: House Republican Campaign Committee ($1.2 million), Senate Republican Campaign Committee ($938,240) and the Michigan House Democratic Fund ($810,852). With Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema not eligible to run for re-election in 2006 because of term limits, GOP senators such as Wayne Kuipers of Holland and Jason Allen of Traverse City each have raised about $100,000 in a bid to contribute money to GOP Senate races and earn enough support to become the next Senate leader.
Michigan Campaign Finance Network web site

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