A new report shows the impact of special interest money in state legislative races.
A review of last November's election by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign shows raising more money than your opponent generally guarantees a win, but not when special interest groups get involved.
WDC Executive Director Mike McCabe says outside interests came in and more than compensated for any financial disadvantage some candidates were facing. The report shows winners outspent losers by more than $2 million, with special interest groups spending another $7 million.
The biggest bucks were spent by the teachers union and the Greater Wisconsin Committee for Democrats, and All Children Matter and the Coalition for America's Families for Republicans.