A record is set for spending by political action groups in Michigan. Southwest Michigan Counties report an increase in absentee ballot requests. WMU volleyball loses in five sets.
(MPRN) This year’s midterm election continues to break records in political spending. Special interest groups are at an all-time high for election spending. That’s according to data gathered by the watchdog group, Michigan Campaign Finance Network. $80-million have been spent by PACs on races up and down the state ballot. This is just based on campaign finance records so far. Final numbers will come in around January. The last record was a grand total of 60 million. Multiple other spending records have also been broken this election cycle.
(Bridge) State officials say requests for absentee ballots are up 53% this year compared to the last mid-term election in 2014. That trend is also found in most Southwest Michigan counties. Bridge’s analysis shows requests for absentee ballots range from a 35% increase in Cass County compared to four years ago, to about 70% in both Allegan and Berrien Counties. Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Van Buren Counties all report requests for absentee ballots are all up between 50% and 60% compared to 2014. Barry and St. Joseph Counties are both over 60%.
(Detroit News) U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos suspended her political donations when she became a member of President Trump’s cabinet last year. But her family has continued to be a major donor to Republican candidates and organizations this election cycle. The Detroit News reports that the family has contributed a combined $7.6-million to candidates, political action committees and the Republican Party through October 21st. That includes donations to all Republicans at the top of Michigan’s ticket this year, as well as Congressional candidates in Michigan and some in other states.
(Kalamazoo Gazette) Vicksburg Village Council members have approved plans for a $60-million development. It will turn an empty paper mill into homes, offices, and restaurants. It will also include space for outdoor events like concerts. The Kalamazoo Gazette says developers hope the project will be finished by 2024. The mill was once Vicksburg's biggest employer but it's been idle since 2001. Developers will get state grants and loans to help cover the cost of removing contamination.
In volleyball, Western Michigan won the first two sets Wednesday night in their match against Northern Illinois, but the Huskies rallied and defeated the Broncos in five sets. Western is now 13-14 overall and 3-10 in the Mid-American Conference this season. The Broncos will host Miami Saturday night.