2006 Follow the Money

National Institute on Money in State Politcs

We know that running for office takes a lot of money. In the last election cycle (2006) candidates for state office raised $11,245,300 for their campaigns! - Yes, you read it right - that's ELEVEN MILLION DOLLARS.

Thanks to finance reporting laws and the National Institute on Money in State Politcs, we break down who raised what from whom!

The links below open in a new window for your convenience.

Governor Candidates: 26
Total Amount: $5,710,514


Senate Candidates: 34
Total Amount: $1,560,798


House Candidates: 97
Total Amount: $3,973,988

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In 2006, 8 out of 9* contested State Senate races - the candidate who had the biggest contributions won the race.

*one unopposed.

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In 32 contested House races, the candidate with the most money won 27 seats.

Who finances campaigns? Is it the average, everyday person, or is it specific industries, their employees, subcontractors, lobbyists, their families and "housewives". In some cases, entire families of lobbyists contribute the maximum amount to key legislators when bills that affect their industry are to be considered in the legislature. This is how VECO influenced our legislature for decades. Clean elections effectively cuts off the head of this influence peddling beast and returns the power back in the hands of all Alaskans.