About the Author

Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

See All Posts by This Author

“Only” $15 Million In Independent Ads So Far

October 22nd, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
Email This Post Email This Post - Print This Post Print This Post -

Obama Outspends McCain Four To One

According to an analysis by the Center for Investigative Reporting’s THE MUCKRAKER using the latest numbers from the Campaign Media Analysis Group, conservative groups like Vets for Freedom and American Issues Project have spent about $9,427,000 on TV airtime, while liberal groups like labor unions and MoveOn.org spent $5,351,000 since the beginning of July. That’s chump change compared to the candidates’ ad buys, but sometimes an outside attack can do what the candidate can’t, or won’t.

These amounts are trivial compared to hundreds of millions spent by the Obama-Biden campaign and about $60 million spent by McCain-Palin since then. Obama-Biden is not constrained, except by individual contributions limits, about  the amount they can raise and spend. In September the Obama-Biden campaign raised a record breaking $150 million exceeding McCain-Palin fund raising totals.

Initially both candidates agreed to accept the federal spending cap and limited spending to $84 million each. McCain stuck to his promise and Obama broke his. In addition McCain discouraged 527 and independent expenditure. Conservatives are hyper-critical of McCain’s decision pointing out his lack of cash is handicapping his campaign and his biggest tactical mistake.

Both campaigns have attracted millions including:

Liberal Groups

Service Employees International Union = $1,999,602
United Auto Workers = $1,104,206
MoveOn.org = $1,008,080
Planned Parenthood = $330,066
VoteVets = $196,320
Defenders of Wildlife = $156,575
Bring Ohio Back = $127,436
AFL-CIO = $123,274
AFSCME = $82,263
PowerPac = $79,880
United Food & Commercial Workers = $70,841
California Nurses Association = $60,316
Matthew 25 Network = $8,858
Brave New PAC = $3,293

TOTAL = $5,351,010

Conservative Groups

Vets for Freedom = $3,906,472
American Issues Project = $1,867,872
RightChange.com = $1,475,581
Committee for Truth in Politics = $1,056,309
Let Freedom Ring = $652,424
Judicial Confirmation Network = $194,283
Born Alive Truth = $165,948
Citizens United = $54,439
Our Country Deserves Better = $28,711
National Republican Trust = $25,162

TOTAL = $9,427,201

Post a Response

You must be logged in to post a comment.