Outside groups have drastically outspent the
candidate campaigns for competitive statewide races relative to television
advertising according to data released this week by the Michigan Campaign
Finance Network.
In the U.S. Senate race between Congressman
Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Hills) and former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land,
the numbers are the most significant. Ms. Land’s campaign has spent $3.95 million
on television while outside groups, such as Americans for Prosperity and
others, have spent $8 million in ads attacking Congressman Peters. Similarly,
outside groups supporting Congressman Peters have spent $5.7 million while the
Peters’ campaign itself has spent $1.3 million.
In the gubernatorial race, Democratic
challenger Mark Schauer has spent $823,000 on TV ads while outside groups have
spent $5.6 million on his behalf. Governor Snyder’s campaign has spent $1.4
million while $3 million has been spent by outside groups.
Insofar as campaign finance reports filed
this week are concerned, Governor Snyder showed a financial advantage over Mr.
Schauer. The post-primary report covers expenditures and fundraising for July
21st – August 25th.
Governor Snyder reported $2.864 million total
cash on-hand having raised $651,000 for the recent period. In total, the Governor
has raised $9.991 million during the election cycle.
Mr. Schauer reported $514,000 raised during
the period, with $40,000 of that coming from public funds. The Schauer campaign
has raised a total of $3.9 million for the cycle, with an additional $953,000
coming in public funds.