Bloomberg Spent $102 Million On Campaign

In his race for a third term, the richest man in New York City spent an astounding $102 million of his $17 billion fortune. New filings reveal that Mayor Bloomberg shelled out about $174.53 per vote in his narrower-than-expected victory over Democratic challenger Bill Thompson, far exceeding his expenditures of $85 million in 2005 and $74 million in 2001, according to the Times.

Much of the money was spent on the mayor's ubiquitous TV ads, but the Post takes a look at a few less obvious expenditures, including $1,000 per day for snacks and beverages and $1.90 at a 99-cent store. Thompson's official numbers will be released on Monday, but a source told the Daily News that he shelled out about $8.3 million, or about $15.51 per vote. That would mean that Bloomberg — who used his own cash — outspent Thompson — who relied on donations and matching funds — by a ratio of about 12 to 1. According to the Times, Bloomberg's expenditures might continue to rise because he hasn't yet paid out his post-election bonuses, which in past campaigns have exceeded $300,000. But considering how tight the race turned out to be, some campaign staffers worry they won't receive any bonuses at all.

Good government folks were appalled by the Mayor's decision to avoid the campaign finance system by using his own funds. "It's beyond embarrassing," declared Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York. "These are astronomical figures. They're higher than the budgets of a lot of cities." But campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson said the massive amount of money was necessary. "Losing is embarrassing. We recognized the strong national anti-incumbent mood early and ensured that we overcame it."

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By Ben Muessig in News on November 28, 2009 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

RichardK

When someone talks about his "pouring money" into the economy, if you take out the corrupt mass media and the benefit to those "friendly to him", that probably amounts to the 1.90 spent at a .99 cent store....if Ray Kelly didn't do some shop lifting while the Mayour distracted them at the register!!!!

the3rdbridge

Everyone should vote for a democratic socialist candidate that will permit free space in the transit system for use by artists. Until then, artists should not vandalize the city. My soul feels cleaner because I didn't vote for Bloomberg.

cucarachita

What is the freakin' big deal? You should all be happy he poured this money into our economy instead of just sitting on it, for goodness sakes. He's a big spender, and that's what we need right now. It's his own money, after all.

And yes, I trust a man who spends his own money on his egomaniacal project -- but not some lackey who spends MY money on his egomaniacal projects.

felixthecat2

I guess you're one of the unwise latinas.

felixthecat2

Hello, the man is spending our money unto private projects that he and his rich buddies are benefiting from. Please educate yourself. YOu're the problem.

felixthecat2

Would you trust a man that spend over 100 million to be your mayor?

Brian Denton

Money in an election does not buy votes. Money only buys speech that may persuade voters.

inoyourider

And hopefully he spent most of it locally.

Mordicai

Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

HOTCUP

for real. the post wants to get people riled up, but come on, the dude is a multi-billionaire.

"We recognized the strong national anti-incumbent mood early and ensured that we overcame it."

i think this is somewhat valid -- i can't tell you how many times i heard people saying "well bloomberg's a great mayor and all..." and then finishing the sentence with either "...but eight year's enough," or "...but it's time for a change," and then ending the thought with obama in some naive populist twist.

realistically, in that climate, how many people do you imagine were encouraged by bloomberg's targeted campaigning? if the biggest issue was term limits, how much money did bloomberg spend not talking about it?

in any case, how much of the $102 m was spent on mind-control, when they were spending $1000 per day on snacks and things that had negligible influence on obtaining votes?

felixthecat2

HE bought all those endorsements and all the consultants. All his ads were misleading and falsely attacked Thomspon, even alleging he doled out contracts to money manager for campaign contribution. It saddens me how people are so blinded

JacqueMehoff

not only did he buy endorsements but he also tried to buy elections in other states to further his agenda. luckily people there were too smart to fall for his antics.

he supported a republican vs a pro gun democrat, the republican lost.

so he uses his money to try to buy other elections. that is just as bad as accepting pay for play.

JacqueMehoff

BTW what does that other good government group say about this?

you know , "Cititzen's Union".

ides_of_march

Some of those $$$ helped keep this site afloat and free for you all to enjoy. Won't stop people from whining though.

Mr Mel

I'm afraid that can't happen.

JacqueMehoff

congratulations mayor bloomberg.

the 100 million dollar mayor.

I hope the middle class are ready for a rude awakening.

bay ridge, staten island will still be neglected no matter how many times he goes there.

notice the only dept he won't cut is the NYPD. that's what the rich do to protect themselves from the filthy unwashed masses.

wow 14th street

Thompson had as much TV & media presence

as a Funeral director.

So the wealthy in this country of Manhattan

spend money carelessly ,what else is news?