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Unions, other groups spend big in Mass. elections

BOSTON (AP) - Unions and other groups have reported making more than $782,000 in independent expenditures to support or oppose more than 100 legislative candidates in Massachusetts this year.

That's according to a report by the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance released Thursday.

The report also found that five so-called super PACs reported making more than $200,000 in expenditures.

Independent expenditures are made without coordinating with a candidate's campaign.

The Massachusetts Teachers Association spent the most on independent expenditures this year at nearly $310,000. The health care workers union 1199 SEIU reported spending nearly $205,000.

Both unions also reported making contributions to super PACs.

Of the top 20 candidates supported by independent expenditures, 14 won.

The top beneficiary of independent expenditures was Senate President Therese Murray. The Plymouth Democrat won re-election.