Leading Off:
• Governors, FL-Gov: Here’s an interesting fact: More money is going to gubernatorial contests than Senate races this year. The Center for Public Integrity reports that as of Oct. 6, $332.6 million has been spent on gubernatorial races compared to $282.6 million on Senate contests. The Wall Street Journal explains the disparity: No matter who takes the Senate this year more gridlock is all but assured, but gubernatorial elections can lead to real change at the state level.
The Florida gubernatorial race has seen the most spending, with a whopping $54.9 million spent on television in this very tight race. Up next is Illinois, where both sides have spent a combined $44 million on ads. Interestingly, while Pennsylvania’s Republican Gov. Tom Corbett is widely viewed as a dead man walking, his race has drawn a total of $41.3 million, making it the third most expensive contest. By contrast, $39.8 million has been spent in North Carolina, which is currently the nation’s most expensive Senate race.
Two groups are continuing to do their part to make the race in the Sunshine State so costly. NextGen Climate continues tying Republican Gov. Rick Scott to Duke Energy, which it accuses of gouging customers. The Florida Republican Party fires back, hitting Democrat Charlie Crist’s job record.
Head below the fold for a roundup of ads from races across the country.
