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 October, 2021, according to the Michigan Department of State.

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

The largest expense was $2,500 paid to HRCC based in Berrien Springs for direct contribution.

The second largest political spend from a committee operating in a city within Berrien County during the month came from Forward Together PAC. It spent $539 during that 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.

During the 2020 elections, candidates spent roughly $41 million. This is in sharp contrast to the previous federal election cycle, when Michigan candidates spent nearly $150 million.

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	4