DFL-backed groups raise $2M for gov race

State campaign regulators released financial reports Wednesday from outside special interest groups trying to influence this year's race for governor.

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling opened the door for Minnesota corporations to begin raising money and buying ads supporting or opposing candidates.

Two Democratic-backed groups, WIN Minnesota and the 2010 Fund, have raised a combined $2 million. Large contributions have come from labor unions and several well-known DFL donors. The director of both funds, Ken Martin, said some of the money is already being spent on TV ads from the Alliance for a Better Minnesota. But Martin said the two PACs are focused on November's general election.

"People have realized that while they can endorse and contribute money to a candidate of their choice, at the end of the day, we have to be smart as Democrats and as progressives and keep our eye on the prize, which is making sure we win in November," Martin said.

A similar Republican effort called Minnesota Forward reported $450,000 in the bank, including big corporate contributions from Hubbard Broadcasting, Polaris and Target.

Brian McClung, the group's director, said he's pleased with the initial level of support. He would not say specifically how or when the money will be spent.

"That will reveal itself in due time," he said. "But we expect to be heavily involved in communicating with Minnesotans, and we're going to use a variety of means to do so."

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