Members of the Grand Rapids Power Structure have contributed to some of the largest Political Action Committees in the current election cycle

A few weeks ago, the Lansing-based organization, the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, posted an article about the largest Political Action Committees (PACs) in the 2018 election cycle. 

According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Network research, PACs have raised $34.5 million so far for the 2018 Election. This is the most ever raised by PACs in Michigan at this date just before a state election. You can see from the graphic below, which PACs are the largest, four of which are part of the GOP and the other three with the Democrats.

There are a few members of the Grand Rapids power structure that have contributed significantly to the top PACs in the state, specifically members of the DeVos family and AutoCam CEO John Kennedy.

For the PAC known as Calley Continues Comeback Inc., DP Fox Ventures President and CEO Daniel DeVos, gave $200,000. Daniel DeVos also gave $250,000 in February to MIPAC, which is another PAC supporting Brian Calley in the Michigan Governor’s race.

Compete Michigan, which is a PAC behind Republican State Sen. Mike Shirkey, has also received funding from members of the Grand Rapids power structure. Members of the DeVos family, combined to give $50,000 to Compete Michigan and Autocam CEO John Kennedy, gave $40,000.

Lastly, State Rep. Lee Chatfield, who has two separate PACs, has received $30,000 from AutoCam CEO John Kennedy.

The Michigan Campaign Finance Network provides a list of the top 150 PACs in the current election cycle. There are several from West Michigan, including: 

• The Progressive Women’s Alliance of West Michigan
• Friends of Spectrum Health
• Friends of West Michigan Business