Go back to Special Report front pageSAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 5, 1994 -- U.S. Senate candidate Michael Huffington has now spent more than twice as much money on TV ads as any other candidate in the history of congressional elections, according to the Federal Elections Commission.
The Huffington campaign has spent $24.9 million through October 19, with $20 million going directly to broadcast commercials. By contrast, Senator Dianne Feinstein has spent $11 million in her effort to retain office, with $7 million devoted to broadcast.
Huffington, a congressman from Santa Barbara, continues to tap into his personal fortune to fund the race, giving his campaign $2.5 million last week, bringing his total out-of-pocket spending to $27.3 million.
Huffington's $20 million for commercials far exceeds the previous records set by North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms, a Republican who spent $5 million on broadcast advertising in 1990, and New York Republican Senator Alfonse D'Amato, who spent $5.7 million in 1992.
In a speech at Los Angeles Town Hall, Huffington laid out his legislative agenda, promising to "send a bull into the congressional china shop." It was the most specific proposal yet of his campaign, which has been rich with rhetoric.
Huffington vowed to cut the capital gains tax and repeal the tax increase contained in President Clinton's proposed balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. He also promised to dismantle the current welfare system and eliminate all political action committees, which he says are financial pipelines for special interests.
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