If there is one dominant trend during the past decade in terms of school elections, it is the growing clout of the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). For decades, NJEA, a statewide union that represents nearly 204,000 active and retired school employees, has been a potent political force in the state capitol. The union participates in state campaigns primarily through its NJEA PAC. In 2009, for instance, the PAC spent $1.13 million on gubernatorial and legislative elections, according to quarterly reports filed with ELEC. Only one other group, the NJ State Laborers PAC, spent more.

From School Election Campaign Financing: An Update. (Hat tip: NJ Spotlight.)