ST. PAUL (AP) — Special interest groups in Minnesota spent $51 million trying to influence state and local politicians in 2010.

New reports show big business groups spent more than $3 million to lobby state lawmakers at the Capitol last year, including about $1.8 million from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

The teacher’s union, Education Minnesota, was the only labor group near the top in spending. shelling out $900,000 for lobbying. That figure could grow this year as legislators consider major education reforms.

Tribal interests spent a combined $1.3 million trying to head off plans to expand gambling.