Independent expenditures in state legislative races are closing in on the $2 million mark since July 1, with most of that spending coming in October, Illinois State Board of Elections records show.

Last March, a federal judge struck down Illinois’ law capping contributions to so-called state super PACs. Since then, according to the State Board of Elections’ website, $1.8 million has been spent by groups on Illinois campaigns, and as of late last week, $1.3 million of that had been spent in the month of October alone.

Super PAC money is expected to increase exponentially in 2014, when gubernatorial and other statewide candidates are up for bid. So far, just 11 independent expenditure committees have been formed, but more will surely be formed after this cycle ends.