Wealthy political newcomers are spending big

[Lasher]

Source: Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In the midst of one of the worst recessions in decades, a host of former corporate leaders are spending millions in their quest for elective office, using their personal wealth to push past the political machinery and their own lack of experience.

In California, billionaire former eBay chief executive Meg Whitman has bankrolled more than $91 million of the nearly $100 million her Republican quest for governor has cost so far. Her outsized spending has bought her some of the nation's best-known GOP strategists and chartered planes offering "white glove service." It's also helped her target traditionally Democratic voters.

In Connecticut, footage of stage explosions and wrestlers flying through the air has filled the TV airwaves in ads for former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon, who has said she's willing to spend up to $50 million of her own money in her bid to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd.

Two former corporate chiefs — one a Republican and one a Democrat — quickly took leads from establishment candidates in Florida despite jumping in late in high-profile races.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100809/ap_on_el_ge/us_wealthy_candidates

[Javaman]

1. The gap between the have mores and the have least grows daily...

as long as we keep electing millionaires to office, the people of this nation will have less and less a voice.

[txlibdem]

7. Government funded elections with no opt out

To any candidate who gathers 100,000 signatures or 3% of the eligible voters whichever is higher. And shorten the campaign to 45 days prior to the election. This crap of 18 month long campaigns is idiotic.

[LibDemAlways]

2. I'm not sure Meg "Ostentatious Wealth" Whitman is doing herself

any favors bankrolling her own campaign. She may well be attracting high-powered Repuke strategists, but she's doing it at the risk of completely turning off the average struggling Californian. Arnold was the last non-politician rich guy to try to govern this state, and he failed miserably. I'm confident voters will put the seasoned pro, Jerry Brown, back in the governor's chair.

[Jennicut]

3. CA and CT have candidates with tons of money, the Dems in those races in CT are very wealthy as well

Lamont and Blumenthal both have millions, not just McMahon. I like both Lamont and Blumenthal and will vote for them but it does make me uneasy to see personal wealth influence elections. Then again, this is CT. Wealth influences a lot here, more then other states.

[L0oniX]

4. A mockery of Democracy!

[SoapBox]

5. The best outcome of the CA gov race would be if NutMeg loses...and all that money is down the toilet

[Maeve]

6. Best government money can buy! Which only goes to prove...

Money can't buy everything.