The Michigan Campaign Finance Network released a report today on the Michigan Supreme Court candidates' campaign finance data. It's simple: the incumbent Republicans have out-raised the Democrats, and are backed by a handful of deep-pocket donors. (One interesting note, DeVos family members are three of the top six donors for each incumbent.)
To read the press release from the MCFN: click here
Here are the numbers: Stephen Markman's campaign has raised $406,409 and has a fund balance of $343,479; Brian Zahra has raised $402, 034 and has a fund balance of $324,679. Each campaign listed in-kind contributions of $4,393, representing contributions to cover overhead of 18 joint fundraising events held by the justices.
These numbers should not come as a surprise. The GOP-backed candidates have money coming in from supporters of insurance companies, the banking and finance industry, corporate interests, and other "one-percenter" contributors. Indeed, the incumbent Republican majority on the Michigan Supreme Court has continually ruled in favor of insurance companies (I believe the number is now at 28 straight wins for insurance companies over patients). These cases, often unknown by the public, have had a crippling effect of Michigan families and children.
It's clear that the justices up for re-election do not have the best interest of everyday Michiganders at heart. Instead, they rule in-favor of the same wealthy special interests who fund their campaigns--which is why Michigan's Supreme Court has continually ranked at the bottom of the barrel in independence and accountability in recent years.
So who are the fat-cat donors?
The Michigan Health & Hospital Association/Health PAC has donated $20,000 to both candidates; the Michigan Bankers Association PAC/MI Bank PAC has shelled-out $10,000 (again, to both); then there are the three DeVos couples. Perhaps the most sobering statistic is this: the lowest "top contributors" listed in the report have donated $5,000 to both Markman's and Zahra's campaigns. This number equals the number one contributor for two of the three Democratic campaigns, and the third top contributor for the other Democratic hopeful.
For the list of top contributors: click here
Why does this all matter?
Democrats will not out-fundraise the Republicans (unless there is a secret millionaire willing to step-up to the plate). My personal opinion is the Democratic-backed candidates--Bridget Mary McCormack, Connie Marie Kelley, and Shelia Johnson--will not have to in order to win on November 6. They just have to close the gap enough so they are not completely drowned out. The ground game and grass-roots effort to get Democratic voters to the polls, and educate them to vote in the non-partisan section, is what will make a real difference (something that did not happen in 2010).
Again, it is critical these candidates have enough money to drive an effective ground game and GOTV efforts. So if you can, pitch in a few dollars to close the gap:
http://www.mccormackforjustice.com/
http://conniekelleyforjustice.com/
http://www.judgesheliajohnson.com/...