Newswise — Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has raised nearly 50 percent more money for his re-election campaign than his challenger, former Gov. Bob Ehrlich - who has relied more heavily on contributions from individuals and less on those from interest groups, according to a new report from University of Maryland researchers.
As of Oct. 22, O'Malley has raised $11.1 million, and Ehrlich has raised $7.3 million. Individual donors have accounted for nearly 65 percent of all funds raised by both candidates, with interest groups accounting for another 30 percent.
Based on an analysis of newly filed campaign finance reports, the researchers find that the Ehrlich campaign has raised a larger percentage of its contributions from individuals (72 percent) than O'Malley, for whom individuals accounted for only 60 percent of contributions. This is a reversal from 2006, when O'Malley relied more heavily on individual contributions, and less heavily on interest groups, than Ehrlich.
"In most elections, incumbents enjoy certain fundraising advantages over challengers, such as the ability to raise large amounts of money from organized interest groups," explains University of Maryland researcher Paul Herrnson, who directs the Center for American Politics and Citizenship. "Ehrlich enjoyed this advantage as the incumbent during the 2006 campaign, and the reversed roles of the current campaign seem to be benefiting O'Malley."
One pattern that differs from 2006: the Ehrlich campaign has spent a far greater share of its money on campaign communications and voter outreach than the O'Malley forces. Four years ago, both candidates spent similar shares of their funds on communication and outreach.
Along with analysis of fundraising in the governor's race, Herrnson and his team have also analyzed the latest finance reports on Maryland legislative races (highlights below).
The analysis is part of an ongoing, innovative project by the University of Maryland Center for American Politics and Citizenship (CAPC) to track campaign financing patterns in the state, and to provide voters with an array of election-related information and services. In conjunction with the Maryland State Board of Elections, CAPC has posted this information to its Maryland Elections Center website. It is designed to increase voter participation and enhance public understanding.
To create an instant graphic display of the data, go to the campaign finance section of the website, enter the candidate's name, and select the appropriate election year.
KEY GUBERNATORIAL FINDINGS:
* Democratic incumbent Martin O'Malley out-raised former governor and Republican candidate Robert Ehrlich by more than $3.8 million. Additionally, the O'Malley campaign out-spent the Ehrlich campaign by more than $5.6 million. * As of October 17, the Ehrlich campaign has the cash-on-hand advantage with $1.7 million in the bank. The O'Malley campaign has about $680,000 in the bank. * Individual donors accounted for nearly 65 percent of all funds raised by the candidates. Interest groups, including political action committees (PACs) and business entities, account for another 30 percent. * Ehrlich raised a larger proportion of his funds from individuals than O'Malley, who, in turn, raised more of his money from interest groups. * Both candidates raised more than 84 percent of their in-state contributions from donors and groups located in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Significant amounts of money also flowed in from areas outside of Maryland, including the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. * The candidates have spent about 40 percent of their funds on campaign communications and voter outreach, including mail, media advertising, field expenses, and campaign materials. Another 27 percent of their funds have been spent on campaign overhead costs, with almost $3.3 million spent on staff salaries. * Ehrlich has spent more of his funds, 69 percent, on campaign communications and voter outreach, compared to O'Malley's 26 percent.
KEY LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS
* For the 2010 election cycle, General Assembly candidates have raised more than $31.6 million and spent more than $29.1 million. House of Delegates candidates raised and spent 64 percent of this money. * Typical House candidate raised about $54,000 and spent about $51,000; typical Senate candidate raised about $122,000 and spent about $115,000. * Candidates have raised 45 percent of their funds from individual donors, and 45 percent from interest groups, including political action committees (PACs). * Candidates for the House and Senate have spent about 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively, on campaign communications and voter outreach.
See Complete Gubernatorial Report HereSee Complete Legislative Report Here
The Center for American Politics and Citizenship is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research institution at the University of Maryland - the region's largest public research university, providing Maryland with education and research services statewide, supporting its economic and social well being.
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