Money is the gas that pays for the consultants, staff, and advertising that equips candidates and their campaigns to get their messages out. Minnesota’s competitive races have drawn increased spending on campaigns in the last two cycles. That’s not all. When the campaign season is over and the legislative session begins, outside groups, political parties, and individual donors press their interests and influence in the legislative process, particularly in committees. Not surprisingly, elected politicians remember who gives cash. This panel will discuss the increased spending on federal and state elections in Minnesota, impacts on the Minnesota legislature, and reform proposals. Associate Professor Kathryn Pearson will present a new report documenting the vast sums of money flooding Minnesota politics and the potential impacts on the legislature. Professor Pearson will be joined by George Beck, and Ricardo Lopez.