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Political Big Bucks

July 17--

The latest fund raising numbers are good news for Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, but sobering for anyone who thinks political campaigns have become way too expensive. The Governor's campaign report shows he has $5.8 million in the bank. That compares with $2.4 million for his opponent, Attorney General Jay Nixon. With the election well over a year away, and with Missouri no longer having donation limits, both candidates are sure to raise, and spend, much, much more. Who will win? Critics say it's often who has the most money to spend on television and radio ads. In fact, the Governor reportedly is already running some ads outstate...again, well over a year out from the election itself. Off the top of my head, I seem to recall that together, then Senator Jim Talent and challenger Claire McCaskill spent more than $20 million dollars in their race. The Governor's race seems sure to push, if not exceed those numbers. Is this democracy in action, or just another example of the Golden Rule? That is, in politics, he who has the gold rules.

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Comments (1)

Michelle:

I think it's a darn shame that all of the money raised to run trashy ads about political opponents can't be raised for a greater purpose like universal health care, rebuilding New Orleans and other areas in the gulf devastated by Katrina and Rita, or better public school education and buildings. Jeff Smith won his seat through grassroots efforts; why can't others?

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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on July 17, 2007 6:57 PM.

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