Michael Bloomberg's Super PAC continues to spend big as they oppose NRA-friendly candidates

[Cali_Democrat]

By TARINI PARTI | 2/20/13 3:55 PM EST Updated: 2/20/13 4:23 PM EST

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave his super PAC another $100,000 in January for a barrage of attack ads against Democrat Deborah Halvorson in the House special election to replace former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., in Illinois, according to new reports filed Wednesday.

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Overall, it has spent nearly $2.5 million so far on the race, including more than $470,000 in January mostly on ads opposing Halvorson, a National Rifle Association-aligned Democrat.

The group ended January with $78,377 in the bank, meaning it likely received a fresh influx of cash from Bloomberg again in February to continue the group’s efforts in Illinois. Besides opposing Halvorson, the super PAC has also spent money backing lawmaker Robin Kelly.

The super PAC, which Bloomberg created in October, spent more than $9 million in the 2012 election opposing NRA-friendly candidates.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/bloomberg-pac-continues-to-spend-big-87870.html?hp=r1

[Light House]

1. I detest the NRA

but what's the difference between them and Bloomberg spending money to defeat a candidate that doesn't agree with their position on the issue?

[gejohnston]

2. nothing, it is no different than the Kochs

using their billions on TV and mailing propaganda. You are either against big money undermining democracy or you for it.

[Light House]

3. So wouldn't that make those that decry the NRA funding pro gun candidates

but support Bloomberg funding anti gun candidates hypocrites?

[gejohnston]

4. absolutely

I think there should be public financing and it should be illegal for both the NRA and Bloomberg to finance campaigns.

[Light House]

5. Agreed.

Public financing is the way to go, no more big corporations buying our elections.

[DonP]

7. A little more news today makes it more understandable

Here in Chicago we're finally hearing why Rahm isn't saying anything about this.

Normally, Chicago Mayors like Daley, Washington, Byrne, Daley the 1st etc. would go totally ape shit over a New York interfering in their backyard. Rahm has been unusually silent on the whole issue.

Robin Kelly is already the candidate of the Chicago Dem Machine and has been for several months. She was hand picked by Madigan (Spkr of the Il. House), and the rest of the people running the state. With that support, she's pretty much a sure winner since she's backed by the Unions, City and County workers that turn out the vote every election.

It's an easy way for Bloomie to claim a big gun control "victory" that he can't lose - even if he ran all his ads supporting Halvorson. Nobody is backing Halvorson in this primary, not the NRA or anybody else. She was backed by the NRA and ISRA with $28,000 in her fight against Adam Kinzinger (R) for the 11th district of the House that she lost in 2010. Then we redistricted the entire state and she was out of the old 11th and in the new 2nd. They didn't back her against JJJr. in the 2012 primary either.

But Rahm has higher aspirations in fact, running in the primaries for Prez in 2016, or VP at least if HRC chooses to run, supported by ... guess which Billionaire he has already been talking to about it?

[Cali_Democrat]

6. Not much of a difference except maybe the donor base

they're both bankrolling candidates.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. good. I hope he goes broke.

[Cali_Democrat]

9. Not likely. He's a billionaire

Also, his investment in the Super PAC is already paying dividends. One of the candidates he went after already dropped out and the other one is tanking in the polls.

[gejohnston]

11. when you pour

over a million dollars more to one candidate than the NRA does all races combined, you might get results. According to one of our Cook county observers, one race would have been a forgone conclusion either way.
http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/summary.php?id=D000000082

I'm guessing I won't see you at the next ACRReform meeting?