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HomeGovernmentVote 2024Over six figures in independent money spent in 102nd district

Over six figures in independent money spent in 102nd district

CAPTION: CREDIT MICHAEL GLENN/THE HUTCHINSON TRIBUNE

By Michael Glenn

The Hutchinson Tribune identified nine political action committees, political party organizations and special interest groups who have spent $141,122.61 supporting their preferred candidate for the 2024 Kansas House District 102 General Election. 

Six groups have spent $108,816 in support of Republican challenger Kyler Sweely, who will face off against Democratic incumbent Rep. Jason Probst on Nov. 5 for the district’s seat.

The largest spender identified was the Republican House Campaign Committee, which spent $35,495 in electronic advertising, YouTube advertising, door knocking, postcards, Facebook advertising and text messaging from 7/26/2024 through 10/24/2024.

The Republican House Campaign Committee is chaired by Rep. Avery Anderson of Newton. 

The second largest spender was the Lift Up Kansas Political Action Committee, which spent $27,746.70 in digital advertising, video editing and mailings. 

Lift Up Kansas is based out of Topeka, and the chairperson of the PAC is Matthew Billingsley. Billingsley wrote on the official statement of organization articles submitted to the Kansas Secretary of State that the purpose of the PAC is “To help elect and promote individuals who reflect Kansas values.”

Americans for Prosperity spent $27,536.10 in support of Sweely in mailings and electronic advertising. Americans for Prosperity is neither a PAC nor a political party and is defined as “For a Person Other Than A Candidate, Party Committee or Political Committee” according to the Kansas Secretary of State’s website.

Americans for Prosperity is based out of Alexandria Virg., a Washington D.C. suburb, and spent $722,536.64 across the Sunflower State in total.

The Kansas Chamber of Commerce also spent $9,675.00 in support of Sweely.

Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach’s PAC, the Prairie Fire PAC, spent $7,056.36 in support of Sweely throughout the general election cycle. 

The Right Future for Kansas PAC spent $1,306.50 in support of Sweely. The PAC’s primary interest is “To help elect candidates that are focused on the right future for Kansas,” according to its statement of organization. The PAC is based out of Wichita and is chaired by Seth Stahlheber.

Three PACs or political parties have spent $32,306.88 in support of Probst. The Middle of the Road PAC, supported by Governor Laura Kelly, has spent $13,698.20 on mail in support of Probst. 

The American Energy Action Fund, which is neither a political party nor a PAC, spent $7,950 in support of Probst through digital media/text messages.

The American Energy Action Fund is based out of Washington, D.C. and has also supported Kansas politicians such as Anderson, Republican J. R. Claeys of Salina, Republican Brenda Dietrich of Topeka and Democrat Jeff Pittman of Leavenworth.

The Kansas Democratic Party has spent $10,658.68 in support of Probst. 

Organizations that spend this money are not supported or endorsed by any candidate and are doing it independently of any campaign. While there are contribution limits organizations can give to candidates, there are none on expenditures not endorsed by any candidate.

Latest comments

  • Very interesting report, it is helpful information. So it begs the question: if Jason Probst had $132,000+ in total resources in his personal campaign fund and Sweely only $14,000 doesn’t the outside group spending just even the paying field? And if so, what happens to Probst narrative that he is being “picked on” by big greedy corporate interests? Especially since the BIGGEST outside spending is from Probst’s Republican colleagues and others who fund the Republican House Campaign Committee? Of which, I might add, I am a proud donor.

  • Jason Probst’s narrative holds true. Greedy corporate interests rule the Republican House Campaign Committee, proven by the many $10,000 donors from out of state entities that donate to this PAC. Hutchinson is lucky to have a representative like Mr. Probst who works for the local interest. I am not in his district but if I was, he would certainly get my vote.

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