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Red Giants
and
Blue Dwarfs
The Dark Money Universe
- All Groups
- Conservative
- Liberal
- 501(c) Groups Show total $ raised Hide total $ raised
- >$5 Million
- <$5 Million
- Rove's Red Giants
- Big Business
- Pro-Romney
- Tea Party
- Republican Also-Rans
- Labor Unions
- Congressional Democrats
- Pro-Obama
- 501(c)(4)s
- Unions
- Trade Groups
Follow the Dark Money
If Citizens United was the Big Bang of a new era of money in politics, here's the universe it formed: rapidly expanding super-PACs and nebulous 501(c) groups exerting their gravitational pull on the 2012 election. Groups' sizes in the chart below are based on their last reported revenues (if disclosed). This data is live—come back for regular updates.
Conservative Groups
Conservative super-PACs have raised more than 60 percent of the more than $562 million brought in by all super-PACs so far. They have have outspent liberal super-PACs nearly two to one.
Rove's Red Giants
Karl Rove's American Crossroads is one the largest conservative super-PACs. Along with its dark-money arm Crossroads GPS, it could spend $300 million in 2012.
Pro-Romney
Restore our Future, the main Romney super-PAC, has raised $TK million. It is run by former Romney staffers but is barred from working directly with his campaign.
Tea Party
Groups connected to the tea party movement and conservative backers Charles and David Koch have raised more than $TK million. The Kochs plan to raise $400 million to defeat Obama.
Big Business
Super-PACs aren't the only big spenders. The US Chamber of Commerce and other 501(c) groups can fund super-PACs and run election ads without disclosing their donors.
Republican Also-Rans
Some of 2012's biggest contributions have gone to super-PACs backing GOP presidential contenders. For example, casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson and his wife dropped $20 million on a pro-Gingrich group.
Liberal Groups
Liberal super-PACs have raised one-third of the more than $562 million brought in by all super-PACs so far. Overall, there are more than two conservative super-PACs for every liberal one.
Pro-Obama
Priorities USA Action, the main pro-Obama super-PAC, has raised $TK million. It is run by former Obama staffers but is barred from working directly with his campaign.
Labor Unions
Like corporations, labor unions can spend unlimited money on super-PACs. Unions and their super-PACs have raised more than $TK million.
Congressional Democrats
Super-PACs linked to the Democratic Party backing its congressional incumbents and challengers have raised $TK million.
Groups With More Than $5 Million
A dozen super-PACs worth more than $5 million have brought in more than 60 percent of all super-PAC money. Major 501(c) groups have also raised millions to spend on the election.
Groups With Less Than $5 Million
The vast majority of the more than 900 registered super-PACs have raised less than $5 million. However, smaller super-PACs have played major roles in congressional and state races.
The Real Dark Money
Nonprofit 501(c)(4)s, unions, and trade groups may run ads and give money to super-PACs—without naming their donors. So far, they have spent more than $200 million. Their sizes below are based on their most recently reported revenues, if known.
Labor Unions
Just as Citizens United lifted limits on corporate outside spending, it also lifted limits on union spending for or against candidates. Unions have also started their own super-PACs.
Trade Groups
Trade associations like the US Chamber of Commerce may advertise for or against candidates. The Chamber has spent $31 million so far in 2012. It does not have to disclose its donors.
By Gavin Aronsen, Ben Breedlove, E.J. Fox, Dave Gilson, and Tasneem Raja
"Social Welfare" Groups
Under IRS rules, 501(c)(4) "social welfare" groups may not make political activity their main focus. However, they may make attack ads and give money to super-PACs. They do not have to disclose their donors.