Fundraising down over 10 percent by Michigan PACs

Michigan’s top 150 political action committees have seen a slow in fundraising over the past two election cycles.

According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, the PACs have raised $12,062,243 through Oct. 20 this year. This is down from when the top 150 PACs raised $13,519,468 in the 2007-2008 cycle, and $13,851,943 in the 2005-2006 cycle.

House Democrats and Senate Republicans, leaders in this cycle, have seen a drastic decrease in funds raised. House Democrats are down 21.2 percent and top the list with $848,246, while Senate Republicans are down 43 percent and follow with $533,357.

The leading interest group, Blue Cross/Blue Shield is up however, with $467,996 raised.

“I don’t think we should worry about the interest groups and their PACs,” said Rich Robinson of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. “They’re keeping the officeholders’ campaign accounts well lubricated, and when prominent political players are capable of writing six or seven-figure checks, a down season can turn upward in a heartbeat.”

For the full list, visit the MCFN website.

Crain’s Detroit Business explains how business leaders in the PAC are showing promise though. Also,The Detroit News wrote a short brief on the report.