Blasted open by a whistleblower last year, troves of ALEC insider documents were made available via The Nation magazine and the Center for Media and Democracy in July.

The Texas Independent previously reported on ALEC’s influence and its model bills that match Texas legislation in areas of higher education reform and tobacco law. ALEC also has ties to controversial conservative think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF)– which serves as an ALEC-bill advocate in the state, as the Texas Independent reported. An August Think Progress analysis comprehensively highlights the striking impact ALEC has on Texas legislation.

ALEC has given more than $16.2 million to Texas politicians since 2001 and the state ranks second in highest total contributions from ALEC nationwide. Top recipients of ALEC funds include Republican Representatives Tom Craddick ($878,110), Rep. Tony Fraser ($314,583) and Rep. Phil King ($164,435). But Gov. Rick Perry stands as ALEC’s favorite legislator in the nation, leading as the top recipient of ALEC donations overall. The GOP presidential candidate has seen more than $2 million from the group since 2004.