Campaign 2012: Outside political groups pledge more than $6M to Minnesota election

By Catharine Richert, Minnesota Public Radio
Sept. 25, 2012

Out of state liberal and conservative groups are pouring cash into Minnesota's elections. At least $6 million has been committed to the state, and some of that money has already been spent on advertising, polling and volunteer organizing.

Several groups are not required to disclose how much they are spending in the state, while others did not provide Minnesota Public Radio News with that information.

Those groups include:

• American Future Fund: A conservative group based in Iowa that has been sending mailers to Minnesota residents criticizing President Barack Obama's record on the economy.

• Coalition of Americans for Political Equality PAC: A conservative political action committee that has made websites and web ads in support of GOP Reps. Erik Paulsen and Michele Bachmann.

• Americans for Prosperity - Minnesota: The local arm of Americans for Prosperity has hosted rallies, sent mailers supporting legislative candidates, and conducted polling.

• The National Republican Trust PAC: A conservative group based in Washington, D.C. that is running ads opposing Jim Graves, Bachmann's opponent.

Data source: Federal Election Commission, political committees and previous reports.
Graph by Robert Boos, Minnesota Public Radio