The Oklahoma Ethics Commission released campaign expenditure numbers this week, revealing that nearly $20 million has been spent on political races in the state. Candidates in the 2024 election cycle have spent $18.7 million on various expenses, with $16 million going towards regular campaign expenditures such as salaries, travel, and organizational memberships.
A notable portion of the funds, about $2 million, came from independent expenditure groups supporting or denouncing candidates and policy outcomes. These groups, also known as dark money, run targeted ads and mailers anonymously.
Additionally, lobbyists in Oklahoma reported spending $468,847 on activities such as events, gifts, and meals for lawmakers. Meals alone accounted for $257,192 of all lobbyist expenditures, indicating a strong effort to gain favor with the state’s representatives.
To access public campaign finance information, Oklahomans can visit the Oklahoma Ethics Commission website and use “The Guardian,” the state’s secure self-reporting and data compilation system. The system provides transparency in campaign expenditures and allows citizens to track how money is being used in political campaigns.
Overall, the significant amount of money being pumped into political races in Oklahoma highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in campaign finance. With the latest updates from the Ethics Commission, voters can stay informed about the financial aspects of the upcoming General Election.
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