State Representative Mike Schofield (R-Katy) has only been in office for two terms, but he’s wasted no time raking in special interest campaign money. In less than four years, he has accepted tens of thousands of dollars from special interest groups and political action committees (PACs).
With the November election just a few months away, politicians are once again dragging the fundraising bag in search of special interest group and PAC dollars. Mike Schofield is no exception. Texas Ethics Commission reports show Schofield has taken more than $37,000 in PAC and special interest money, just in the last year.
As politicians know all too well, the these entities who are friendly to their interests, even if there is conflict with the public interest. Money furthers the politicians’ careers and those politicians remember who helped them reach and stay in elected office. But the public is often forgotten.
Political Action Committees and special interest groups raise funds to advance their politicians platform and to help boost lobbying issues. Between 2000 to 2015, lobbying spending has more than doubled from $1.57 billion to $3.2 billion, with the great majority going to incumbent officeholders across the country.
Who does Mike Schofield represent – the people of District 132, or his special interest contributors?