WaPo:

Two studies scheduled for release Thursday offer contrasting predictions for the 2012 elections: Outside groups are likely to spend more money than ever, but many top corporations may not be among them. The first analysis, by a trio of advocacy organizations, found that almost a third of the money spent on state judicial elections in 2010 came from outside interest groups — a dramatic departure from historic norms. The authors argue that the pattern is a harbinger of the spending to come across the board next year. The second study, by the Center for Political Accountability, found that a majority of companies in the S&P 100 have adopted policies requiring that they disclose any direct corporate spending on politics. In addition, the survey found, many are limiting or banning such spending.