This is an era of big donors and big money in politics, and Newsday reporter Tom Brune says that is clearly evident here on Long Island. 

"New York is probably the second biggest state in the country for big-time contributors giving money to federal campaigns," says Brune.

Long Island has its share of mega donors. The top three are all hedge fund executives. Robert Mercer, of Head of the Harbor, has contributed more than $24 million to mostly conservative causes. James Simons, of East Setauket, has donated more than $19 million to Democrats. Julian Robertson, Jr. of Locust Valley, gave more than $4 million for Republican causes.



"We're talking about silly, silly money," says political consultant Michael Dawidziak. "Some people are clearly going to be buying influence. Some may have interest in votes that are going to come up."

The Center for Responsive Politics says this year will be the most expensive election on record, to the tune of $6.6 billion. That is $86.5 million more than the 2012 presidential election.