Once upon a time, a fellow could run for office “cheap.” Oh, some candidates helped draw a crowd to speeches with a keg of cider. But generally, a candidate could run with “lunch money,” gasoline, a hotel room and maybe a little printing. But not now, or at least not for anyone who really hopes to win.
We are shocked that it cost $16.7 million for our fine new Tennessee governor, Republican Bill Haslam, to win last year. His opponent, Democrat Mike McWherter, spent $3.4 million. Even that’s too much.
In 2006, Republican Bob Corker’s victorious U.S. Senate campaign spent $18.6 million, while Democrat Harold Ford spent $15.5 million.
In 2002, Democrat Phil Bredesen spent $11.22 million as he won the Tennessee governorship. The opposing Republican, U.S. Rep. Van Hilleary, spent $7.77 million.
TV, radio, newspaper and other advertising are important. But the sky-high cost of political campaigns is troubling.