The Minnesota Independent

Campaign Finance

Supporters of same-sex marriage ban have vastly outspent opponents

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By Andy Birkey | 09.29.11 | 6:00 am

In the last five years, groups supporting the constitutional marriage ban have spent five times as much as opponents.

Jeff Anderson snags Iron Range endorsements in 8th District race

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By Jon Collins | 09.28.11 | 12:17 pm

Anderson said his candidacy could transcend the sometimes contentious relationship between the Iron Range and Duluth.

Facebook forms a Political Action Committee

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By Yana Kunichoff | 09.28.11 | 8:30 am

Amid a furor over its recent redesign, and with privacy concerns tailing its every move, Facebook has filed paperwork to start its own political action committee.

Bachmann’s campaign manager charts her ‘path to victory’

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By Jon Collins | 09.27.11 | 6:14 pm

Nahigian said the campaign expects to “compete” in New Hampshire, but not “dominate” like it plans to in Iowa.

Minnesota Money 360

Undisclosed money flows into Minnesota’s redistricting process

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By Andy Birkey | 09.27.11 | 8:50 am

Minnesota for a Fair Redistricting shares an address and some staffers with conservative activists Annette and Jack Meeks, although Annette Meeks denied any involvement and Jack Meeks didn’t respond to a request for comment.

Gov. Scott Walker’s spokesman granted immunity in investigation

By Jon Collins | 09.26.11 | 11:40 am

Three people, including a railroad lobbyist and Republican activist, have been offered immunity in this “John Doe” investigation.

Flickr; Source:  Publik15

Private prison company’s growth went hand-in-hand with political influence

By Jon Collins | 09.26.11 | 8:00 am

A private prison company that was a longtime ALEC member has given millions of dollars to political campaigns. As a result, its influence, and its business, has grown.

Norm Coleman. Photo: WDCpix

Conservative advocacy group chair and former Sen. Norm Coleman signs on with Romney

By Jon Collins | 09.21.11 | 12:23 pm

Coleman is chair of a conservative non-profit that is expected to funnel tens of millions of dollars into the 2012 elections.

Photo: Sebastiano Pitruzzello

Obama’s smog decision backed by big business donors

By Yana Kunichoff | 09.21.11 | 10:23 am

Obama for America, the President’s reelection group, received money from seven of the top twenty air polluters.

Photo: The Comedian, Flickr

Watchdogs push for more disclosure of corporate spending on elections

By Eartha Jane Melzer | 09.19.11 | 12:05 pm

Target, which drew criticism because of a donation in support of Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, is held up as an example of the risks taken by companies that play in politics.