A record-setting 73 million dollars was spent by both sides combined in the 2019 Governor’s race.
The Advocate reports 34 million of that came courtesy of Republican candidates and their allies. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the national party saw an opportunity to pick off a Dem in a deep red state.
“It’s not surprising that the Republicans who have a lot of money to spend were trying to get rid of a Democratic governor who they thought should not have been there,” says Pinsonat.
Those GOP numbers come after adding up Eddie Rispone and Congressman Abraham’s campaign spending with Republican Governor’s Association funds, and pro-GOP super PACs.
Democrats accounted for nearly 39 million, mostly through the Edwards campaign and pro-Edwards Gumbo PAC, with some assistance from the national party. Pinsonat says the party knew how important it was.
“Louisiana is very political and this last election proved that the governor’s race is the big race,” says Pinsonat.
The only statewide race on the ballot this year is a Senate seat held by Bill Cassidy. Pinsonat says don’t expect to see these kinds of fireworks on display for that competition.
“Will the Democrats put up a lot of money to beat an incumbent Senator who is very popular in Louisiana? I don’t really hear a lot of discussion about candidates lining up to run against him,” says Pinsonat.
The numbers were derived from campaign finance reports available at the Louisiana Board of Ethic’s website.
