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California Gubernatorial Campaign Spending Heats Up Ahead of Election

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

California's gubernatorial campaign spending has intensified, with Democratic Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis' opponents, Al Checchi and Jane Harman, investing heavily in television ads. Checchi has spent at least $20 million of his own money, while Harman has spent over $4 million. In contrast, Davis has run only one radio ad, opting for a more low-key approach to reach longstanding Democrats. As a result, Davis has secured key endorsements from groups that turn out voters and has the highest favorable ratings among voters, according to a recent L.A. Times poll.

Key Takeaways:

  • Democratic Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis' opponents, Al Checchi and Jane Harman, have spent heavily on television ads, with Checchi investing at least $20 million and Harman spending over $4 million.
  • Checchi's campaign has stated that they will spend "the money that is necessary to educate the voters," rather than specifying a fixed dollar amount.
  • In contrast, Davis has run only one radio ad and has focused on low-key outreach to longstanding Democrats, including speaking to 25 African-American ministers in San Diego.
  • Davis has secured key endorsements from groups that turn out voters and has the highest favorable ratings among voters, according to a recent L.A. Times poll.
  • The L.A. Times poll also found that the race is a three-way tie, with Davis having the highest favorable ratings.
  • Davis' campaign consultant, David Doak, believes that Davis' low-key approach will help him gain votes, particularly from longstanding Democrats who are more likely to support him.

Statistics:

  • Al Checchi has spent at least $20 million of his own money on campaign ads.
  • Jane Harman has spent over $4 million on campaign ads.
  • Davis has run only one radio ad, while Checchi and Harman have invested heavily in television ads.
  • A recent L.A. Times poll found that the gubernatorial campaign is a three-way tie, with Davis having the highest favorable ratings among voters.
  • Davis has secured key endorsements from groups that turn out voters, including African-American ministers.

Sources:

  • NPR News, Steven Rosenfeld, San Diego, California
  • LA Times poll
  • California Center for Governmental Studies, Bob Sterns, director
  • Al Checchi's campaign spokeswoman, Alana Stern, according to NPR News
  • Davis consultant David Doak, according to NPR News.

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