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Minneapolis (AP) ― With a workable ballpark financing plan finally in hand, the Minnesota Twins can look forward to some savings -- in the lobbying department.

The final stadium push in 2006 cost the team $95,500 in lobbying expenses, according to a required report filed Friday. All told, the Twins rang up a lobbying tab approaching or exceeding $6 million during their decade-long Capitol push for public stadium subsidies.

The Legislature and Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave the team the answer it wanted last month, approving a $522 million ballpark plan that will result in an outdoor stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The team will kick in $130 million, but a higher Hennepin County sales tax will generate the remaining three-fourths.

"For us, it was disappointing we didn't get it done earlier because it certainly would have saved on lobbying expenses, and more importantly it would have saved on ballpark expenses," said team president Dave St. Peter, adding, "It's been a long journey -- difficult at times."

Since 1994, the team has spent at least $5.75 million. But until 2002, it was able to report its lobbying expenses in a wide range, such as $500 to $50,000, making a precise tally difficult to reach.

A report for the main lobbyist representing the Minnesota Vikings, which are also after a new stadium, wasn't available Friday.

This year, the Twins hardly topped the list of big spenders in the lobbying arena.

Education Minnesota was the runaway winner, reporting lobbying expenses of $950,000 from January to June. A large chunk -- nearly $800,000 -- went to advertising.

Although 2006 wasn't a budget-setting year for lawmakers, the state teachers union ran a series of television ads that it hopes will lead to increased school funding down the road. The ads asked viewers to sound off on the state of education by reaching out to elected officials and demanding that candidates live by promises they make on the campaign trail.

"It isn't like we've got 500 lobbyists at the Capitol," said Judy Schaubach, the union's president. "We're trying to engage the public in conversation to make sure they are involved in the political process."

Lobbyists are required to report their spending on advertising, travel, food and beverages and preparation of materials, among other things. They operate largely on an honor system.

The shorter-than-usual session -- it began in March and ended in May -- meant relatively few issues were in play this year, holding down lobbying costs for some interest groups.

According to reports filed with the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, spending by interests with a heavy Capitol presence included:

--Umbrella groups that represent main-street businesses and large corporations. The Minnesota Business Partnership led the way with $256,600 in lobbying costs, followed by $210,600 from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and $96,900 from the Coalition of Minnesota Businesses.

--Other school coalitions, such as the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, which reported roughly $94,900 in spending. The Minnesota School Boards Association came in at $34,500.

--Organizations that lobby for municipal governments. They include the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, which spent $195,350, and the League of Minnesota Cities reported about $13,200.

Reports for other lobbyists can be found at http://www.cfboard.state.mn.us

(© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)