By Nick Coltrain | Estes Park Trail Gazette
Analysis shows major amounts spent by campaigns, outside interests — mostly in Democratic races
The $67 million storm has passed. For now.
That is roughly how much was spent on all of Colorado’s competitive primaries for statewide and federal office — and almost all of it went to influence Democrat-vs.-Democrat contests as voters picked who would represent the party in November’s election, according to an analysis by The Denver Post. Millions more went to down-ballot races, such as local legislative races.
The rain from the proverbial storm of cash poured down in the form of candidate mailers, door knockers, and TV and digital ads, and in less apparent campaign infrastructure and polls. The vast majority of the money went directly to campaigns and supported direct messaging, staffing and other expenses of running for office.
But more than a third — almost $25 million — flooded the races through super PACs and other outside groups that approach politics with different levels of opacity.
The money also didn’t do much to predict eventual winners. Four of the most-monied candidates seeking statewide or federal offices won their primaries. Four others lost.
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