Politics And Economic Impact

The total cost of the 2012 general election was $6.3 billion, up from $5.3 billion in 2008. The cost of midterm elections has been on the rise as well, with $3.6 billion spent in 2010 versus $2.8 billion in 2006. We are on pace to eclipse the $4 billion mark for the 2014 election. Much of the recent increase in campaign spending is attributable to the dramatic rise in outside spending. Indeed, the 2012 presidential election saw a 594% increase in independent expenditures from the 2008 election. Furthermore, a quarter of this spending was so-called dark money, or spending by groups not required to disclosure their donors.


 UNM Political Science professor Dr. Michael Rocca will explore the following questions in light of the quickly changing landscape of campaign finance. First, what distinguishes the different types of spending? Second, where does the money come from and where does it go? And, finally, what does it buy?


The presentation will take place on Wednesday, October 29 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Jackson Student Center. The public is welcome.