Republicans & Democrats Make Major Ad Buys In Swing States
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Floridians who grow tired of the political ad wars may not want to turn on their televisions for the rest of the year.
So far in May, President Barack Obama's campaign bought roughly $25 million in advertising in swing states using campaign funds. Wednesday, Karl Rove's Crossroads Super PAC launched a $25 million monthlong advertising campaign.
The campaign ad spending is likely to ramp up as the months go by heading towards November. For President Obama, his spending will for the most part come from direct campaign contributions with record of those donating being public knowledge.
On the flip side, his rival Mitt Romney's direct campaign contributions were left spent after a tough primary election that he won. But Republicans have learned and mastered the art of the Super PAC more so than Democrats, which swings the money advantage back to their side.
Super PACS allow unlimited funds to be donated to groups outside the campaigns of candidates, even though the Super PACS air messages intending on building up or tearing down candidates on either side. Plus, unlike traditional campaign donations, Super PAC donors can remain anonymous.
For example, Crossroads reported it took in more than $77 million through December. The donations could come from individuals, businesses or trade groups. Crossroads reported two gifts of $10 million each and four of more than $4 million.
Combined, the Crossroads campaigns from GPS and American Crossroads, have pledged to spend $300 million to influence the election.
Obama's campaign opened the month of April with more than $100 million in the bank, which translated to a 10-1 advantage over Romney.
Super PACs' became major parts of the American election system after the Citizens United decision by the Supreme Court eliminated most all forms of campaign finance reform.
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