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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Record-Breaking Expenditure on Election

Members of Congress have been investigated, prosecuted and sent to prison this year for converting special interest contributions into public policy. Nevertheless, there's more money in this year's mid-term election campaigns – perhaps as high as $3.1 billion -- than there was in the presidential races two years ago.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Members of Congress have been investigated, prosecuted and sent to prison this year for converting special interest contributions into public policy. Nevertheless, there's more money in this year's mid-term election campaigns – perhaps as high as $3.1 billion -- than there was in the presidential races two years ago. New records are being set at the state level, too. Where does the money come from, where does it go, and what's the return on investment? Corporate America contributes to both parties, but it's difficult to establish a quid pro quo even when votes go their way. Can the corrupting influence of money be stamped out, or is it the cost of democracy, American style?

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

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    Dan Konecky

    Producer, To the Point

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    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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    Leo Kivijarv

    Vice President of Research for PQ Media

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    Ed Bender

    Executive Director of the National Institute on Money in State Politics

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    Massie Ritsch

    Communications Director, Center for Responsive Politics

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