Michael Toner Discusses Increasing Role of Super PACs in Federal Elections

Michael E. Toner, co-chair of Wiley Rein’s Election Law & Government Ethics Practice, was interviewed yesterday by Minnesota Public Radio for a segment on the increasing role of super political action committees (Super PACs) in federal elections.  He noted that the past four years have seen “remarkable growth” in fundraising by Super PACs, which can make unlimited independent expenditures for or against federal candidates.

Mr. Toner cited recent Federal Election Commission (FEC) data indicating that so far, more than 1,400 Super PACs have raised about $290 million in the current election cycle.  In comparison, at this stage in the 2010 election cycle, there were 15 major Super PACs that had raised about $2 million.

Mr. Toner, a former chairman of the FEC, added that four years ago, national Super PACs typically were active in a large number of races.  “But really since the 2012 presidential election, and now in this election cycle, what we’re seeing is that if you’re a serious candidate for federal office, there’s a Super PAC that’s dedicated solely to your election,” he said.  To listen to the full interview, please click here.