© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

SuperPACs in Illinois: Growing Influence

State Board of Elections

Super PACs are bringing more than $1 million to Illinois legislative races - but what impact the unexpected campaign finance phenomenon will have in the Nov. 6 balloting is up for debate.

Elections records show five of the ten super PACs in Illinois have raised serious money and are spending on legislative races. Super PACs arose from court rulings that determined political committees unaffiliated with candidates or causes can spend unlimited money.

David Morrison of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform says the money can have a ``huge impact'' on state campaigns.

Kent Redfield is a campaign finance expert at the University of Illinois at Springfield. He says super PACs are just learning the rules and won't play a significant role until the 2014 race for governor.
 

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.