Running for Congress gets more expensive with every campaign, and local candidates have been raking in the cash to compete. The Federal Election Commission requires detailed reports of money coming in and going out and posts them for all to see at FEC.gov.
The Big Kahuna for cash flow is Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who’s raised $9.1 million since last year to hold onto her seat. Including other monies spent on her behalf, she’s gone through $12.7 million so far and is sitting on another $1.5 million.
Her opponent, former New York City cop and security firm owner Mike Sapraicone, has raised $1.1 million in his bid to knock out the 15-year incumbent. His campaign has spent $771,000 and he’s got $338,000 banked. The rivals are expected to raise and spend thousands more as they hurtle toward Election Day.
In Suffolk’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent Nick LaLota has taken in $3.8 million and has dispersed $2.3 million in his first reelection bid. His opponent, former CNN commentator John Avlon, has outpaced him with an inflow of 4.3 million. He’s had $2.6 million spent on his behalf and is sitting on $1.7 million as opposed to LaLota’s $1.5 million nest egg.
Congressional District 2 is currently represented by Andrew Garbarino, a two-term incumbent who’s nursing a comfortable money lead over his opponent, Rob Lubin, a business entrepreneur. The congressman raised $3.5 million and has sunk $1.4 into his reelection so far. He’s got $2.3 million left in the tank. Lubin’s brought in $1 million and has spent $756,000, with $245,000 more to go.
The Federal Election Commission data gets pretty detailed, with money moving around from various Political Action Committees and transfers from the accounts of other elected officials. Voters can see where the money is coming from to find these humongous campaigns for the right to represent the residents.