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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?

    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      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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