Candidates Spending Big

"All that money!"

May 10, 2014 - The four would-be challengers to Corbett have collectively raised $35.5 million and spent $31.1 million through Monday, according to campaign finance reports filed Friday, with 11 days left in the campaign. Really? Where does this all come from? Makes you wonder why they are spending this type of money on getting elected instead of something else like schools. Well enough about that, let us move on!

The link to the article is here!

In the upcoming May 20 primary election, the governor's candidates seem likely to outspend every other governor's race there were. What would the reason be for the huge amount of spending? Corbett had filled up his stash of cash without the pressure of a primary opponent. He has raised $14.6 million, including $3.5 million left over from 2012, and had $6.3 million on hand even after airing $2 million worth of recent TV spots, his report says.

"Democratic front-runner Tom Wolf, who contributed $10 million to his campaign, spent an average of $1 million a week on television advertising during the five weeks covered by the latest reports." With Wolf taking the initiative, the TV ads he aired gave him a leg-up. Wolf is a first-time candidate for elected office and has already spent nearly $13 million of the $14.5 million that he has raised. Wolf really wants to pull ahead and leave everybody chasing after him.

State Treasurer Rob McCord reported spending all but about $668,000 of the $8.5 million he has raised in his campaign. He also is carrying $2.65 million in unpaid debts. Looking at how much McCord is spending on his campaign, it makes you wonder if he is really trying to win. What is he saving the money for? Where did his debts come from anyway? Kinda fishy if you ask me.

Schwartz reported spending about $7.5 million of the $8.8 million she has raised. This is a hefty amount of money but will it help her pull ahead of Wolf?

Katie McGinty, a former state environmental protection secretary, spent nearly a half-million dollars on television ads and spent another $300,000 to repay some of the personal loans she made to the campaign, her report says. In my personal opinion, I do not think the little spenders have much chance against those who spend a lot of money, maybe its just me but TV ads make a huge difference.