From Mother Jones · Mother Jones · · 2m
Midterm Spending Bonanza Threatens Democracy
Big money in politics is accelerating corruption, risking democracy.
In brief
Big money in politics is accelerating corruption, risking democracy. The $1.7 billion spent on midterms shows how campaign finance is worsening corruption and undermining democracy. Originally reported by Mother Jones.
Big money dominates US politics
Wealthy donors, corporations, and special interests have long poured cash into presidential and congressional elections.
This year’s spending is accelerating
The $1.7 billion poured into the election so far shows no sign of deceleration or slowing down.
Crypto and betting industries join the race
Hundreds of millions from crypto and sports betting, industries barely on the political map in 2020, are now major spenders.
Dark money obscures donors
Super PACs can obscure donors, and issue ads and targeted turnout operations go unreported, like dark matter in the universe.
Donors gain regulatory control
Donors get to cash in by having the administration align with their deregulatory goals or gain control of agencies.
Elon Musk gains agency control
Elon Musk can gain control of an agency or decimate whole sections of government through campaign spending.
Donors get more than access
They’re getting inclusion, not just total access, to influence government decisions.
Negative ads are most effective
The most effective campaign tool is a negative ad designed to make voters not vote.
Voters see more corruption
Pollsters report voters see more government corruption these days, especially with a sour economy.
Hungary’s corruption crisis
Viktor Orbán was voted out after 16 years in power due to rampant corruption and a poor economy.
Texas Senate race is competitive
The Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton is highly competitive despite historical Republican dominance.
Texas governor’s race is tight
Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat, is only a few points behind incumbent Greg Abbott in the Texas governor’s race.
Campaign finance reform is stalled
There’s no sign of deceleration in campaign finance spending, and reform efforts have stalled since Citizens United.
Dark money is growing
The money flow through super PACs and issue ads is growing, with no clear end to the spending.
Donors get more than they asked for
Donors get more than total access, they’re getting inclusion to influence government decisions.
The system is getting worse
The system of campaign finance is getting worse, with no sign of slowing down or reform.
In short
The $1.7 billion spent on midterms shows how campaign finance is worsening corruption and undermining democracy.
