There’s Something Obscene About Michael Bloomberg Spending $37 Million Before July 4 . . . Here’s Why

Like a pro, Bloomberg dumped the news that he has seemingly broke every conceivable spending record on a Friday. How brave:

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s campaign for re-election has already burned through nearly $37 million, according to records released Friday, about four times as much as he had spent at this point in 2001 to introduce himself to New York voters.

So is this a “self-made man” practicing “free speech” or is it actually kind of one of the most offensive examples of the ever-present nexus of wealth and power that hangs over American society? OK, don’t answer that.

But here are some comparisons. Combined spending during the 2000 New York Senate race between Clinton, Giuliani and later Lazio was “only” $90 million — apparently the most expensive Senate campaign in history. Even Senator Clinton’s 2006 reelection campaign “only” spent $36 million, which was still the highest amount during the 2006 Senate campaign cycle. Jon Corzine — another “self-made man” — “only” spent $60 million for his first Senate run in 2000. And while Bloomberg outspends Thompson (or whoever) 50 gazillion to one (or whatever), remember that Al Gore spent $49 million during the 2000 primary cycle in an election where people were shocked to see the first $100 million campaign. (Last several figures from here.)

$100 million seems like a lot for someone whose main responsibility is to fix potholes.