The campaigns of term-limited lawmakers have repeatedly disclosed making large purchases during the lawmakers' final months in office with no explanation of where the items ended up once the lawmakers departed, according to a new investigation by MCFN and Fox 2 Detroit. read more

posted on 08/16/2019

The battle for control of the Michigan Senate saw an influx of spending by nonprofit organizations that don't have to disclose their donors. The groups funded mailers, Facebook ads and even door-to-door campaigns. They also spent heavily on negative TV ads about candidates in the weeks before the election. read more

posted on 11/16/2018

Before Republican lawmakers introduced bills in September to support picking a future president through the national popular vote, many of them attended seminars about the topic in vacation spots, like Hawaii and Puerto Rico. More than 20 lawmakers participated in the conferences with some receiving free air travel and hotel stays. read more

posted on 10/01/2018

In 2014, the last time all 38 seats in the Michigan Senate were on the ballot, there were three primary races where the candidates’ campaigns combined to spend more than $400,000. The Michigan Campaign Finance Network labeled those totals "unusually high." In 2018, a series of Senate primaries easily surpassed the $500,000 mark. read more

posted on 09/14/2018

While broadcast TV ads are usually rare in primary elections for the Michigan House and Senate, a nonprofit organization linked to a major Michigan utility has been airing TV ads promoting five candidates for the state Legislature. The ads are drawing criticism from opponents who are concerned about the groups behind the nonprofit and the general nature of the advertisements. read more

posted on 08/01/2018

If the early numbers are any indication, you can expect some expensive races for the Michigan Senate in 2018 with many involving current members of the Michigan House. Two primary races between well-funded Republican candidates have already attracted more than $400,000 in campaign cash, according to campaign finance disclosures. read more

posted on 02/07/2018