Sadly, the information that I was hoping to post this week is just not up to date enough to justify a post and analysis. The idea was to look at the war chest of both candidates and use this to gauge strength of the two candidates and also look at incumbent advantage. So, what is there to do? Let's take a look at all that fine and exciting Citizens United money that is rolling into our campaign!
All of the information that I am going to cite comes from Sunlight Foundation, and I have to admit I do not know much about the group. After giving a brief review and a look through Google I feel confident that the information is both accurate and non-partisan in nature.
The most fun number clearly to look at in the total expenditure from outside groups on the race so far. That number sits at a lowly $3,847,910.79. I am mostly impressed that someone somewhere decided to include the seventy-nine cents. Just to make it square we'll call it 3.8 million; this includes support for a candidate, opposing a candidate, and electioneering communications (which is broadcast communications that does not state support or opposition for a candidate) .
Now we have out nice round number of 3.8 million, how does that break down by candidates? Good question and I am glad you asked. Looking at the numbers reported for Sen. Murray: $160,115.94 in support, $1,378,268.02 in opposition to, and $640,410.00. The brave Sir Dino Rossi has the following reported: $255,947.15 in support, and $1,413,169.68 in opposition.
Clearly outside groups find this to be an important race. Money is flowing in like something that flows a lot, maybe a river or lake. The point is there is a lot of interest outside of Washington as to who wins this election. The recent Citizens United case has opened a flood gate of money in this years political campaign season. One of the more interesting notes about this outside spending is that it is supposed to favor Republicans, by a lot. There is still a lot of time for that to change but right now it looks like outside groups opposed to Rossi or in support of Murray have the advantage. This goes counter to the current national narrative.
How much of an effect this spending will have probably will not be fully understood until well after the next Congress convenes. To what degree this will influence what is already an odd midterm election year will be the focus of many hours of hot air on the air waves in the coming months. The important thing to take away from this bit of reporting is that there is an intense interest in this race outside of Washington even though it is not making headlines every other day. Quietly there is a knock down drag out political campaign occurring right under our noses.
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