PACs Hit Record Numbers — and Dollars — in 2008

"Federal registrations by PACs increased by 9 percent, according to the Federal Election Commission, growing from 4,234 on Jan. 1, 2008, to 4,611 by Jan. 1, 2009. It was the largest jump in registrations since 1984, with 360 new committees being added to the rolls during the last six months of the year, the most for such a period in 30 years."

"As the number of PACs increased so did the amount they contributed either directly or indirectly to campaigns, according to a CQ MoneyLine study of PAC contributions. All together, committees donated a record $418 million during the 2008 election cycle, eclipsing the 2006 election by $41 million and the 2004 election by more than $100 million."

"Most of the 2008 PAC money went to Democrats, who received $235 million compared to Republicans, who got $183 million."