Republican "SuperPAC" American Crossroads Raised $24 Million in Seven Months, Report Shows

Republican strategist Karl Rove

/ Getty Images/Jim Watson

It may be the highest-profile "SuperPAC" to emerge in the public eye since the Supreme Court opened up campaign finance rules: American Crossroads. According to records filed yesterday, as analyzed by "Open Secrets," the group raised an incredible $24 million in just seven months.

The giant haul was made possible to Supreme Court changes in campaign finance rules which allow some groups to raise unlimited contributions. American Crossroads is led by Steven Law. Also on his resume: he was "chief legal officer and general counsel" for the Chamber of Commerce.

How's that cash being spent? On Republican causes. How fast? Nearly $250,000 per day the first 13 days of this month.

Here are some other American Crossroads stats courtesy of Open Secrets:

* American Crossroads spent $16 million through Oct. 20 on political ads and other communications

* SwiftBoat Supporter Bob Perry has given $7 million, which is 47% of the group's total

* TRT Holdings of Texas and its CEO have together given $5 million

* The head of Public Storage has given $2.55 million this year

* Donald Trump donated $50,000 on Oct. 13

And that's not all. American Crossroads' nonprofit group, Crossroads GPS, is kicking in a lot of money as well. As a 501(c)4 nonprofit group, Crossroads GPS doesn't have to give details about its funders. But together, American Crossroads and Crossroads GPS have said they intend to spend a total of $65 million dollars before the elections.

Read the Open Secrets report here, and see Armen Keteyian's recent report on American Crossroads here.

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Sharyl Attkisson is a CBS News Investigative Correspondent based in Washington. You can read more of her posts in Hotsheet here.

[Steve Cain]

All you have to do, sadly, is remember 2 words, Citizens United.

[noloyalisti]

Why is this Karl Rove group of extremist right wingers laundering money from foreign countries and giving it to advertisers for Republicans? Is this democracy? Is this America still? Not if the radical Republicans have something to do with it.

[simpleconservative]

You have it wrong. Since they are members of the productive class that produces all the cash that everyone spends, they should most certainly have a strong voice in the debate!