Campaign Funding Information
MapLight.org
You will be amazed at the info on this site – there is a 6 minute video introduction (under the "First Time User?" label) - it is worth spending the time to watch and think about how students can “illuminate the connections between campaign donations and legislative votes.” You can search by Interest groups, Legislators and Bills, plus there are multiple places to participate via leaving comments, linking to news stories, and suggesting interest groups to add. Recently rated “Highly recommended” by Choice magazine. --New Trier Librarian Linda Straube
Other features: MAPLight.org
- Blog: Spotlight on Congress - MapLight research on the influence of money and politics in U.S. Congress.
- Click on Bills, Legislators, Interest Groups tabs at the top of the page.
- Browse list of research tools.
MapLight.org News
Campaign Funding
Viewpoints
"Are Super PACs Harming U.S. Politics?"
- The Debate Club, US News
A discussion of the debate over Super PACs followed by opinion articles on both sides of the issue.
Opinion Poll
What is your opinion of Super PACs?
Super PAC activity
According to The New York Times, "Since the start of the presidential campaign, independent groups have spent at least $119 million on television advertisements and other efforts asking voters to elect or defeat candidates. The most active groups have been 'super PACs,' which can raise unlimited money from individuals, corporations and labor unions. Although these groups cannot legally be tied to a candidate, several of the most-active ones are run or advised by former associates or campaign staff; those are noted [in the chart] with the picture of the candidate." Link here to view the amount spent by these groups.
