The spending on the race for U.S. Senate could reach $100 million. The campaigns of Republican John James and incumbent Democrat Gary Peters together have spent about $35 million on radio and TV alone.
But, the biggest spending is coming from outside Michigan.
“The majority of the money in this race has been from outside groups like super PACs, national committees that can coordinate with the Senate, as well. Additionally, dark money organizations. Especially those,” said Simon D. Schuster, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a campaign spending watchdog.
The group has identified more than 40 outside groups that together have spent at least $50 million. (See the entire reporthere).
The amount far exceeds previous races for U.S. Senate in Michigan.
“In 2014, the senate race was about $58 million and in 2018, it was a little more than 40,” Schuster said.
He notes the spending continues to rise each election cycle. Prior to this year’s race for U.S. Senate, the most expensive race was the 2018 governor’s race. That was more than $93 million.
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