Money & lobbying

Candidates for the Legislature and statewide office file reports with the Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board: how much they raised and spent, and who gave more than a small amount. Reports are due several times a year, more often in election years.

• Iowa has no limits on how much an individual or PAC can give a state candidate. Few states are like this.
• Corporations, banks and unions can’t give directly to candidates, but they can form PACs and spend independently.
• In-kind contributions are goods or services instead of cash, like donated ads or office space.

Funnel shows each campaign’s totals by cycle. Iowa law bars using the reports’ donor details for commercial or fundraising purposes, and Funnel doesn’t republish them.

Candidates for Congress report to the Federal Election Commission, which sets limits on contributions, adjusted for inflation each cycle. Funnel shows each candidate’s receipts, spending, cash on hand and debts.