In the final month of the 2012 campaign, eight candidates for statewide office have collectively spent more than half a million dollars on mass media.
In total, they invested $532,000 in television, radio and newspaper advertising, and in direct mail. A little less than half of that money went toward Vermont’s gubernatorial race. The two candidates — Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin and Republican challenger Randy Brock, a Franklin County state senator — have spent $240,000 on television advertising alone during the past month.
Of course, with the advent of Vermont-based super PACs, candidate spending only tells half the story.
For instance, the two leading candidates for state treasurer — appointed incumbent Democrat Beth Pearce and Rutland’s Republican city treasurer, Wendy Wilton — have spent $119,000 on mass media in the past month. But independent groups — primarily the conservative super PAC Vermonters First, which has heavily backed Wilton — spent another $220,000 exclusively on that race during the same period.
Factoring in all reported candidate spending during the two-year election cycle coming to a close this Tuesday, Brock has vastly outspent the others. He has spent at least $706,000 since launching his gubernatorial campaign last winter. Behind him are Shumlin ($285,000), Pearce ($194,000) and the Republican candidate for attorney general, Jack McMullen ($191,000).
Last week, we brought you a list of the biggest-spending independent groups in the 2012 election (please note, that list is now a few days out of date). Below is a list of the biggest-spending candidates:
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!
If you are not happy with Schumlen or Brock, or Obama, or Romney, write in Daniel Muffoletto.The best choice for a protest vote. Even if He does not win, He could influence the next president. Dan has never accepted donations, and has returned those those sent.