Unregulated Campaign Spending

The Supreme Court ripped the lid off political spending. Now, money is rushing in the midterms. We look at where it’s coming from and where it’s going.

It’s Wild West time in spending on politics this year. A billionaires’ ball. A union blowout. But most of all, in this midterm election season, unlimited, often anonymous, money rolling in behind Republican campaigns.

Democrats get it too, no doubt. But since the Supreme Court threw the reins off political spending this year with its eye-popping Citizens United ruling, Republican fundraisers have been on a tear.  Three times the Dems raise for the House. Seven times for the Senate.  Who’s giving what?  And how?  We try to pull the lid off. 
-Tom Ashbrook
Guests:

Dan Eggen, staff writer for the Washington Post. Read his article "New 'Super PACs' bringing millions into campaigns."

Sheila Krumholz, executive director of OpenSecrets.org, part of the Center for Responsive Politics.

Mark McKinnon, Republican strategist who has worked for John McCain, George W. Bush, and others.

Allan Rivlin, Democratic pollster and strategist. He is a senior partner at Hart Research, a top Democratic polling and strategy firm that represents many members of Congress. He is co-editor of the blog CenteredPolitics.com.