The Boston Globe

Nation

Super PACs fuel GOP attack ads

Eventual nominee could pay a price

In the first presidential election since the Supreme Court opened the floodgates of campaign financing, new super PACs have poured tens of millions of dollars into the Republican campaign, financing negative ads that have damaged the public’s view of the leading candidates. When the primary season began four years ago, the five top GOP candidates had reported raising $217 million. This cycle, the top seven hopefuls had raised about $133 million, nearly 40 percent less. Filling some of that gap are the newly authorized super PACs, which can collect donations of any size and so far have spent $40 million.

Are you a home delivery subscriber?

Get FREE access as part of your print subscription

Start Here

Contact us for help

Comments

As long as there are equally well-funded Democratic super PACS it should balance out. What a waste of money for both sides, though. If these super PACS would just donate this kind of money to average taxpayers for mortgage relief, or healthcare relief (FSA perhaps?), or at least donate that money towards reducing the national debt, just think how much better it would be for their image.