Jun 25, 2008 10:55 pm US/Central
Reality Check: Record Amounts For U.S. Senate Race
(WCCO)
It's already the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country and it's not yet running at full speed. The eye-popping numbers are a sign of a tumultuous Senate race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken headed this way.
And the money is pouring into Minnesota in record amounts.
It's TRUE.
Minnesota 's U.S. Senate candidates have raised more than $23 million in this election cycle. That far outpaces the second highest money race in Texas at $16.2 million. And also the state of Kentucky U.S. Senate race at $15.8 million.
IN FACT....
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Franken is the number one money raiser in the country for 2008. While his Republican incumbent Coleman is number three.
So far, Franken has raised $9.4 million and Coleman has taken in $8.7 million.
That's NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
With many months to go in the race the 2008 U.S. Senate candidates are almost certainly going to outspend the campaigns of 2006.
That year Democratic candidate Amy Klobuchar spent $9.2 million to defeat Republican Mark Kennedy who spent $9.7 million.
Here's what you NEED TO KNOW.
Minnesota traditionally "leans" Democrat but many Republicans, including presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, think Minnesota is winnable. That's why this has a "must win" status for both parties.
That's Reality Check.
To check the resources for this Reality Check click on the links below:
2008 Most Expensive Races
2006 Money Spent On Congressional Races In MN
2008 Electoral Map
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