Political money chase

By Rudi Keller | Deputy Editor

Good morning,

The election year that never seems to end is, truly, coming to a close. The August primary set a record for turnout and that’s what everyone is watching as Nov. 3 approaches.

Final fundraising and spending reports are coming in and, like August, the largest amounts are being spent on ballot measures. Committees supporting and opposing the three most-discussed measures — Amendments 3 and 6, and Proposition A — have combined to raise almost $60 million.

Their ads make up about two-thirds of the broadcast advertising dollars.

Rudi Keller has been tracking the reports all year and here’s a pre-election summary.

by Rudi Keller

Missouri Democrats confidently predict voter discontent will deliver victories in tight legislative races, but campaign finance reports show Republicans well provisioned for defense. And Republicans are using that financial advantage to shape how voters see their candidates.

by Jennifer Shutt

Fewer than 5% of U.S. House races are seen by a top political analysis as truly competitive heading into November’s midterm elections. That lack of competition, once a primary election is won, heavily influences which priorities lawmakers pursue in office, according to experts interviewed by States Newsroom.

by Mark McCormick

As the November midterm elections draw near, much of the nation seemingly has channeled Mad Magazine’s smiling, redheaded, gap-toothed mascot Alfred E. Neuman and his catchphrase: “What, me worry?”

But the nation has plenty to worry about.

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