Ramp up to election costs pretty penny
Updated: November 5, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- With four days to go until Election Day, be prepared to watch the airwaves heat up. The candidates running for state senate in the 48th District are raising money fast in the final days. That could mean a flood of ads, mailers and even "robo-calls." WCIA-3's Steve Staeger has been keeping an eye on all that money.
The 48th District is the most expensive state house or senate race in Illinois, and it's right in our own backyard.
"For state senate, Blagojevich's budget boss, Andy Manar, helped break Springfield."
In a sea of negative ads, these are two faces you've seen a few times. Democrat and former Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar, and republican Decatur mayor Mike McElroy have both produced their fair share of ads like this.
"In Decatur, Mike McElroy increased spending by 37%."
It's probably no surprise both candidates are spending money. What is eye-opening is how much.
"Between the two of them, it could easily be more than $2.5 million. And, we're getting close to the most expensive senate race ever in Illinois."
UIS professor Kent Redfiled says you don't have to look too far to find the most expensive. Two years ago, Sam McCann unseated Deanna Demuzio in the 49th District.
The race between Manar and McElroy could still top that. Four days out, money continues to pour in to both candidates.
"It's an open seat. And the democrats think they can pick up a seat downstate and the republicans don't want that to happen."
Redfield also says the size of the district accounts for all this big spending. The candidates need to be on the air in two different TV markets. The final factor? The unexpected.
"They don't know how the 48th senate district will perform in a typical election because it's never existed before this election."
Even with the cash pouring in, Redfield says the candidates may not have time to spend it. There are only four days until Election Day, and it's tough to get that one last mailer printed or that final ad through production.
The 48th District is the most expensive state house or senate race in Illinois, and it's right in our own backyard.
"For state senate, Blagojevich's budget boss, Andy Manar, helped break Springfield."
In a sea of negative ads, these are two faces you've seen a few times. Democrat and former Macoupin County Board Chairman Andy Manar, and republican Decatur mayor Mike McElroy have both produced their fair share of ads like this.
"In Decatur, Mike McElroy increased spending by 37%."
It's probably no surprise both candidates are spending money. What is eye-opening is how much.
"Between the two of them, it could easily be more than $2.5 million. And, we're getting close to the most expensive senate race ever in Illinois."
UIS professor Kent Redfiled says you don't have to look too far to find the most expensive. Two years ago, Sam McCann unseated Deanna Demuzio in the 49th District.
The race between Manar and McElroy could still top that. Four days out, money continues to pour in to both candidates.
"It's an open seat. And the democrats think they can pick up a seat downstate and the republicans don't want that to happen."
Redfield also says the size of the district accounts for all this big spending. The candidates need to be on the air in two different TV markets. The final factor? The unexpected.
"They don't know how the 48th senate district will perform in a typical election because it's never existed before this election."
Even with the cash pouring in, Redfield says the candidates may not have time to spend it. There are only four days until Election Day, and it's tough to get that one last mailer printed or that final ad through production.
