Monday, August 18, 2008 --- 1:45 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin donors gave so-called 527 political groups a record $2.2 million over the past 18 months.

That's according to an analysis by government watchdog group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

527s are political groups that work to influence elections with advertising and other activities. They're named after a section of U.S. code that governs them. The IRS doesn't regulate how much money the groups can raise or spend.

The old 18-month election cycle record for Wisconsin donations to such groups was $1.2 million, set between January 2005 and June 2006.

Most of Wisconsin donors' money in this election cycle has gone to Democratic-leaning 527s -- 71 percent in the past year and a half.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)