Spending By Outside Groups Rocks Many U.S. House Races

WASHINGTON (October 27, 2012)—U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., knows what it's like to have a big bull's eye plastered on his back.

The Democratic Party, and labor and environmental groups have spent $4.7 million on TV commercials and other efforts to unseat the nine-term congressman.

The chance to influence the outcomes of the Nov. 6 election has led the political parties and scores of corporate, union and other organizations to spend a record $253 million so far on their own TV ads, radio spots and other expenses in House races, according to the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics, which monitors campaign spending.

A Supreme Court in 2010 allowed such spending without limits, and sometimes without identifying contributors, but it must be done independently, without consulting candidates.

IRS Official Who Took The Fifth Replaced

Poll Question

A new poll finds teens are sharing more about themselves on social media and moving to Twitter to avoid parents. How closely do you monitor your children’s use of social media such as Facekbook?

Very closely

Closely

Somewhat closely

Very little

Don’t monitor

Poll sponsored by: