St. Joe-Benton Harbor News

Paquette Leadership Fund spent the most out of all the political committees based in cities associated with Berrien County during the fourth quarter of 2021, according to the Michigan Department of State.

The committee paid $2,500 to HRCC for direct contribution.

The second largest political spend from a committee operating in a city within Berrien County during the quarter came from Forward Together PAC. It spent $539 during the time period on two different vendors.

What’s known as “dark money,” which comes from political non-profits and shell corporations, has greatly increased expenditures and donations in recent elections to record-breaking highs.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan accounted for the largest expenditures among the state candidates, surpassing $33 million in total.

Political campaign financial data is often updated, leading to a sometimes incomplete picture of a committee or candidate's finances.

Committee	Expenditures	Paid Vendors
Paquette Leadership Fund	$2,500	1
Forward Together PAC	$539	2
Michael Brown for Governor	$381	3