Campaign Money Came From Small Number Of Groups, People

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – Campaigns in Oregon during the 2018 election cycle were funded largely by a few individuals and groups concentrated in the greater Portland area.

That’s according to a report released Monday by the nonprofit research organization MapLight.

The Statesman Journal reports that among the key findings were that businesses, labor unions and other groups were responsible for 60 percent of candidate funding and 89 percent of ballot measure funding. Also, 14 donors gave more than $100,000 to candidates, which was 25 percent of all candidate funding from individuals. And 60 percent of contributions to statewide candidates came from individuals living in just 20 zip codes, most around Portland.

The report comes days after the Oregon House of Representatives passed a package of campaign finance reform bills that would set contribution caps.