Election 2011: Show Me The Money
By Larry Kane
The sky is the limit on campaign spending. This story is stratospheric.
Imagine this:
In Atlantic County New Jersey, Vince Polistina, A Republican Assemblyman is running for State Senate against Jim Whelan, incumbent and former Mayor of Atlantic City. I talked to both candidates on Wednesday, and I asked them what was so unique about this contest.
They both admitted that the campaign is nasty. Both candidates are making some nasty accusations at each other. But both also note that the amount of money spent in this contest is unbelievable. The two have running mates, candidates for Assembly. Altogether, both sides confess that total campaign spending may reach 5 million dollars in the Atlantic County campaign, which includes Atlantic City. Let's face it – you could buy a lot of taffy and many casino chips for five million dollars.
The race is a big-ticket affair because the winner will have a lot to say about the state reorganization of Atlantic City. But 5 million dollars?
As we reported earlier, the Montgomery County contest between Shapiro-Richards, the Democrats, and Castor-Brown, the Republicans will near three million dollars.
I've also learned that a North Jersey senate contest may rack up four million dollars, and that the average spending in a Senate District in New Jersey, is estimated at $750,000.
Where does the money go? Much of it goes to direct mail, and of course, Radio and TV. But there's another aspect of campaigning that is often forgotten. It takes an organization to get out the vote, and coupled with smart advertising, the day-of-election get out the vote apparatus may be the most important element in most elections. After all, in an off year election, with pathetic turnouts, getting out the vote may be the most expensive and important assignment.
