Massive day in politics. You know about that (unless you’re reading this from your presidential debate spin room fallout shelter). What you might have missed, however, between all the five-point plans, white teeth and necktie flourishes, was that Wednesday was a massive day for independent political spending. As the nation turned its out-of-work eyes to Denver, a few well funded PACs, super PACs, dark money 501(c)(4) groups and others kept spending cash like no one was watching.
The Roundup: A simply humongous $28 million disclosed by 37 groups attempting to influence over 40 federal elections
The Big Spender: American Crossroads dropped $13.5 million on media-related products and services (TV/web ads, etc.) - most of which opposed President Obama and Florida Senator Bill Nelson. Crossroads GPS, sister organization to AC, finished second, disclosing over $3.5 million. Together spending by these two groups accounted for over 60% of the daily disclosure amount.
Cashing In: Crossroads Media walked away with a majority of the Crossroads family disclosures - $13.6 million in all. In keeping with past practices Crossroads keep a majority of their money ‘in-house’ and have Crossroads Media manage their large media buys.
House or Senate: The Senate. Groups disclosed nearly $6.7 million targeting Senate contests and only $3.3 million on House elections. Senate candidates experiencing the most disclosures were Bill Nelson (D-FL) $2 million opposed, and Tim Kaine (D-VA) $1.3 million opposed.
The Hot Spot: Florida. Over $2.6 million in independent expenditures flowed into Senate and House elections in Florida. Most of the cash went toward the Senate race and House contests in Districts 10, 13, 18 and 26.
The High Striker: The Republicans. Pro-Republican groups disclosed a huge $21.7 million. Pro-Democratic groups dropped nearly $6.3 million. For ever dollar disclosed by the Dems, the Reps disclosed $3.46
As you’ve come to know and love, the complete disclosure summary table:
