Lobbying expenditures top $59 million for 2011

Organizations spent more than $59 million on lobbying in Minnesota last year, according to a new report released by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

Xcel Energy spent the most on lobbying last year, forking out a grand total of $2.3 million. Rounding out the top five were Minnesota Chamber of Commerce — $2 million, Minnesota Business Partnership — $980,000, Minneapolis Radiation Oncology Physicians — $900,000 and Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities — $820,000.

The local group spending the most on lobbying was the Prairie Island Dakota Community, which spent $340,000. Mayo Clinic spent $180,000, Rochester Public Utilities spent $50,000 and Gold Cross Ambulance spent $30,400.

The report also shows that Geronimo Wind LLC, a wind developer looking to build a wind farm in Goodhue County, spent $140,000.

Click here to view the report.