Michigan Campaign Finance Network questions lame-duck fundraising

LANSING, MI (AP)--   A watchdog group is questioning the practice of Michigan lawmakers continuing to raise campaign money despite being barred from seeking re-election by term limits. 

The Detroit Free Press says that 22 lame-duck lawmakers raised $568,000 in 2011.  It says the lawmakers held 42 fundraising events that year.

Michigan Campaign Finance Network Executive Director Rich Robinson says that kind of fundraising “makes it a more direct connection between money and policy.”  Robinson says he questions the propriety of lawmakers using the campaign accounts for their present offices as a way to raise money to run for other offices.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Kahn of Saginaw Township raised $176,000 last year.  Kahn says he raises money to aid other Republicans, cover miscellaneous office expenses and save up for future elections.