Outside political spending = economic boom in D.C.

Think this is an anti-Washington election? Think again. Of the approximately $129 million that outside groups have spent so far trying to influence midterm congressional elections from Alaska to Florida, about $81.5 million — 63 percent — was spent in Washington or its suburbs, an analysis of campaign expenditure data by the Sunlight Foundation has found. In fact, about 37 percent of the total was spent at companies within the District of Columbia city limits itself. The money ended up in the pockets of a familiar cast of well-connected Beltway insiders, according to an analysis of data compiled from Sunlight’s Influence Explorer. While the outside money — on pace to break records before November's midterm elections — is being spent to influence elections from Alaska to Florida, most businesses in those states rarely see a dime.

Source: Outside political spending = economic boom in D.C. - Sunlight Foundation Blog