Politics
Politics

Georgia ethics panel following the money on special-interest funds

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is a frontrunner in the race for governor in 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is a frontrunner in the race for governor in 2018. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By James Salzer
Oct 9, 2017

The rise in big-money, special-interest funds tied to leading Georgia politicians hasn't escaped the notice of the state's campaign finance watchdog.

The funds are able to collect unlimited amounts of money  - unhindered by Georgia contribution limits - from lobbyists, business owners, political PACs and companies wanting something from state government.

One such fund, created by supporters and campaign staffers of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a frontrunner in the race for governor, raised $2.3 million in the months leading up to the 2017 General Assembly session.

Now the state ethics commission is making it clear it's going to be keeping a close eye on such funds, issuing an opinion on what makes a legal, and illegal, fund. To read more about the special-interest funds and the ethics commission's opinion, check out our story on myajc.com. 

About the Author

James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history

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