Final price tag on 2014 election: $34M
The final numbers are in: The 2014 election cost state candidates and the political groups that back them nearly $34 million.
Candidates for governor, the Legislature and other state offices spent $17.7 million on their campaigns, while independent expenditure groups that can back one or several candidates at once but can't coordinate with them spent $16 million, according to a new report from the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, which tracks campaign money.
Minnesota House races were particularly expensive. For instance, the race between Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, and his predecessor Zach Dorholt cost roughly $961,000, with nearly all that money coming from outside political groups.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.