PROPONENTS HOLD FUNDING LEAD IN CIVIL RIGHTS INITIATIVE


Though it is still early as ballot initiatives go, the proponents of a proposal to end affirmative action in the state have a decided lead in fundraising according to filings Tuesday with the Department of State.


The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, which had the jump on the two opposition groups by having raised money to collect petition signatures, showed $29,936 in cash on hand.   The group had raised $470,535 for the election cycle, $178,060 of that during the current reporting period.


The group spent $469,428, with $159,344 during the last reporting cycle.


Of the two opposition groups, Operation Kings Dream appeared to be in the better financial position early.   The committee, operated by By Any Means Necessary, showed $380 as of the closing date for the filing.   But its filings were unclear.


The group showed for the last reporting period it had raised $34,477 and spent $34,155.   But it showed for the entire election cycle it had raised only $2,315 and spent $2,296.


One United Michigan, a coalition that includes the state's two political parties and a number of other interest groups, has raised a total of $315,958, but most of that, all but $1,348, was raised prior to the current reporting period.   And expenditures of $315,925 have left the group with about $32 on hand.


But all sides said the campaign, and the fundraising for it, began in earnest just more than a week ago when the issue was officially placed on the ballot and the official ballot language was approved.