Cost of Rhode Island Governor Race Up 500 Percent Since 2006 Election Campaign
Friday, August 08, 2014
This year’s Rhode Island gubernatorial race has cost $10.3 million – compared to $3.8 million at the same time in 2010 and $1.8 million in 2006.
“Media has pushed the cost of campaigning up because if one candidate is spending money on television the others are encouraged to do the same to match it," said veteran Rhode Island pollster Victor Profughi, as to why the cost of running for Governor has increased so dramatically.
SLIDES: See How Much Candidates Have Raised and Spent Since 2006 BELOW
Collectively, the five major candidates have already spent more than $5 million since 2011 -- far surpassing the collective total $4 million spent over the course of the entire 2006 gubernatorial election campaign.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhat’s driving the money?
While Rhode Island’s economy is consistently ranked among the worst in the U.S. and unemployment rate is among the highest, the money being raised out-of-state, in-state and lent to the campaigns has managed to increase at a rate that is 500% higher than the highly competitive Don Carcieri – Charlie Fogarty race of 2006.
“I think part of the reason is that you have a three-way contested primary on one side and a two-way on the other side” said Ken Block for Governor campaign spokesperson Jeff Britt.
In 2006, both Republican incumbent Governor Carcieri and Democratic candidate Charles J. Fogarty ran unopposed in their respective primaries, as did Democrat Frank Caprio in 2010 after prospective primary challenger Patrick Lynch dropped out of the race in July.
Block's GOP primary opponent Cranston Mayor Allan Fung made the distinction, however, between what was being fundraised -- and what candidates are lending their campaigns themselves.
"Candidates spend millions of dollars of their personal fortunes or rely upon out-of-state backers to bankroll their campaigns," said Fung spokesperson Robert Coupe.
Fung ended the second quarter with $364,00, while Block finished with $585,000. Fung has raised over $750,000 since declaring his candidacy, while Ken Block has lent his campaign $720,000.
The cost of a competitive candidacy
“Any candidate in order to be credible has to commit enough resources for voters to come to know who they are. And there is no doubt that the quickest way to get your name out there and to get people to recognize you is to spend money on media and advertising particularly television,” added Profughi.
When it comes to reaching undecided swing or new voters, traditional television advertising still remains the most effective use of resources, according to former New York Times Washington Bureau Chief Steven R. Roberts -- but online advertising was quickly growing.
"While we are seeing a growing percentage of any ad budget devoted to online outlets, there is still a role for traditional media in any campaign,” said Roberts.
“The Internet is great for contacting and engaging people who are already interested in politics. But you have to reach people where they are, not where you want them to be. And for those with less motivation or knowledge, that often means finding them on TV shows--from wrestling to recipes--that have nothing to do with politics,” Roberts added.
More than money
Profughi added that while it is important, money alone is not the be-all-end-all for ensuring success on election day.
“There are 3 resources available to those running for public office. One is money, the second is time, and the third is talent," said Profughi.
On the Democratic side, Treasurer Gina Raimondo ended the second quarter with a cash balance of about $3 million, while Clay Pell has about $2 million on hand. Providence Mayor Angel Taveras has $1.3 million.
“While it’s clear the Treasurer’s Wall Street backers and Clay Pell’s personal fortune mean we’re going to get outspent in this race, we’re confident we will have the resources we need,” said Taveras spokesperson Dawn Bergantino.
“The Mayor has some advantages,” Profughi acknowledged. “He has exhibited a good ground game, helped by his strong labor support. Moreover, his base in Providence represents a substantial proportion of the primary electorate.”
Related Slideshow: Money Raised and Spent in RI Gubernatorial Campaigns since 2006
