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Illinois Tops List of Most Populated States in
Super PAC Spending
The influence of state Super PACs in local Illinois elections is on a steep rise and has no sign of stopping. Illinois Super PAC spending in the 2016 Primary was
more than double the amount spent in 2014. Many have asked if this phenomenon is local to Illinois, or whether other states are experiencing the same dramatic rise.
We checked out Independent Expenditures (TV, radio, and print, ads mostly purchased by Super PACs) during this year's Primary Elections
across the most populated states in the US: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
Illinois ranks #1 by far for this Primary season, outspending New York by nearly $8 million. California came close, with
$10.5 million
in Independent Expenditures. Pennsylvania reported $3.2 million in Independent Expenditures, which includes spending in competitive statewide and local races. Texas trails with $1.2 million this Primary cycle.
State Independent Expenditure Comparison
2016 Primary Elections
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State
|
Amount Spent
|
| Illinois |
$11.1 Million
|
| California |
$10.5 Million |
| New York |
$3.6 Million
|
| Pennsylvania |
$3.2 Million |
| Texas |
$1.2 Million |
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According to the Florida State Department Campaign Finance Division and the Ohio Secretary of State Campaign Finance Division, there is not comparable spending of this magnitude in their states.
This data does not reflect overall Super PAC spending, as not all states have comparable committee types. Data reflects spending in the form of Independent Expenditures, which accounts for the majority of spending by committees similar to Illinois Independent Expenditure Committees (otherwise known a Super PACs).
Data is sourced from the Illinois State Board of Elections, the New York state Board of Elections, the California Secretary of State, the Pennsylvania Department of State, and the Texas Ethics Commission.
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