Illinois super PACs raise $1 million, could affect election

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Associated Press

Story Created: Tue Oct 16, 2012 9:51 PM

Story Updated: Tue Oct 16, 2012 10:03 PM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - 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.

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