Anthony Nownes is a political science professor at the University of Tennesse, and something he pays attention to is the realm of campaign finance. The rules around campaign finance are exceedingly complex, so much so that Nownes will admit almost no one fully understands it all. He also points out that the majority of campaign finances -- at least regarding direct campaign contributions -- are provided by small donations. Your average citizen is still the fuel that runs a campaign's coffers. But outside groups are allowed to spend what they will, and where there's a will, there's a way.
How does this year's election cycle compare? What do recent FEC filings tell us? These questions and more were answered by Nownes, as we take a pulse on the state of campaign finance in the pivotal election cycle of 2018.