Money talks - and in 2016, it also wins elections. In 91% of state house races this year, the candidate with more money won.
That's according to analysis by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network. Executive Director Craig Mauger compared the election results with financial reports.
“In the other 8 races where the candidate...who had less money won, it was often very close. Both candidates raised a lot of money,” says Mauger.
Democrats and Republicans divided the top ten financed campaigns for Michigan state house seats in 2016. All five Republicans won, and all five Democrats lost.
1) Rep. Brandt Iden (R-Oshtemo Twp.); 61st District; $759,194; Won
2) Bryan Mielke (D-Mt. Pleasant); 99th District; $719,108; Lost
3) Rep. Holly Hughes (R-Montague); 91st District; $685,390; Won
4) Dan Scripps (D-Fruitport); 101st District; $601,370; Lost
5) Annie Brown (D-South Haven); 66th District; $590,488; Lost
6) Collene Lamonte (D-Montague); 91st District; $565,333; Lost
7) Beth Griffin (R-Paw Paw); 66th District; $543,000; Won
8) Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Grand Ledge); 71st District; $529,450; Won
9) Rep. John Bizon (R-Battle Creek); 62nd District; $510,939; Won
10) Scott Celello (D-Iron Mountain); 108th District; $508,096; Lost
