Nonprofit groups from across the political spectrum spent nearly $200-million on campaign activities during the 2008 election cycle, Congressional Quarterly reports.

Political spending by nonprofit organizations registered under Sections 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) of the federal tax code more than tripled last year compared to the 2004 presidential election, according to a study by the Campaign Finance Institute, a research group affiliated with George Washington University. Those groups’ spending soared as the Federal Election Commission cracked down on Section 527 organizations, which played a major campaign role in 2004.

Charitable organizations, which are exempt under 501(c)(3), are prohibited from getting involved in partisan politics.