November 13, 2007
Posted: November 13th, 2007 11:04 AM ET

Mitt Romney has spent more than $10 million on campaign television ads in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has spent $10.2 million on television advertising this year, a record amount at this point in a presidential campaign, according to new data provided to CNN.

He is spending more than $85,000 a day - $600,000 last week alone - on campaign commercials, according to TNSMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group, CNN’s consultant on political television advertising spending. Romney’s presidential campaign commercials have aired more than 14,500 times. The closest Republican to Romney in ad spending is Arizona Sen. John McCain, who has aired more than $300,000 worth of campaign ads.

In the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is leading the way with about $3.9 million spent on campaign commercials.

“Advertising is still by and large a one man band, with Romney leading the way with his record pace,” said Evan Tracey, CMAG’s chief operating officer.

The former Massachusetts governor has concentrated his ad buys in the first three early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. But in recent months Romney has also targeted Florida – the largest state to vote before “Super Tuesday” on February 5. His commercials largely have been used to tout his conservative credentials and highlight his experience as a successful businessman and governor.

Full story

– CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

Filed under: Barack Obama • Iowa • Mitt Romney • New Hampshire • South Carolina • Television advertising


Tom Dedham, Mass   November 14th, 2007 9:35 pm ET

HAHAHA Jeff. His kids are working hard to get elected? Yeah, how about they don't want to go to Iraq. Funny spin..funny…

Posted By David Columbus, OH : November 14, 2007 1:18 pm

Let me see Dave, if I remember right, when I went down to the recruiter and joined it was a volunteer type setup.

Is it still a volunteer military like it was when I PROUDLY volunteered and enlisted, so Hillary who actually voted for the war authorization should FORCE Chelsea to join using your logic.

Granted that was a knucklehead answer, to an even stupider question.

Has anyone ever asked Hillary why Chelsea was not in Iraq considering SHE DID VOTE FOR THE WAR?

Must have missed that Dave.

Everything Jeff said is the factual truth funny man.

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   November 14th, 2007 3:26 pm ET

Is it illegal to spend campaign money when one is running for president? Of course NOT! So why is this an issue to some?

Mitt Romney is one of the hardest working individuals – he legitimately earned his fortune, it wasn't given to him by anyone and he alone should have an exclusive right to his spending (how much, when, and where). Additionally, Romney raised millions and millions of dollars while running his campaign for president – so he SPENDS because he CAN.

And please, quit that nonsense that he is buying his way to the White House.

David Columbus, OH   November 14th, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Mitt gets my vote for staying married to the same woman for over 30 years, a great family man whose children are working to get their father elected. I like that he made money before going into politics and should make him a little less bribable from the likes of Mark Rich. He really seems to be a good person whose views have evolved to fit the position. A number of people see him as a flip flopper but I really think it is more of an evolution. He is also the only top candidate that was a governor, which means he has run something and also run a budget.

Posted By Jeff In Miami Beach : November 14, 2007 7:28 am

HAHAHA Jeff. His kids are working hard to get elected? Yeah, how about they don't want to go to Iraq. Funny spin..funny...

Jim, Gig Harbor, WA, USA   November 14th, 2007 10:15 am ET

Oh, come on, what a non-story. $85,000 per day is peanuts for a national campaign. I bet coca-cola spends a million per day on their advertising and it doesn't mean squat.

If you aren't well known, what better way to show people who you are? Sheesh folks go back home and quit h8ing.

Tony, Doylestown, PA   November 14th, 2007 9:59 am ET

Mitt has always been a hard worker. He has the history to prove it. At least Mitt got his money legally, which you can't say for Hillary.

Ariel, Bay City, MI   November 14th, 2007 9:10 am ET

I'm a Republican and I will NEVER vote for Romney. I hope you party hacks are listening. The Republican party's only hope (and the only hope for this country) is RON PAUL in '08.

http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 14th, 2007 8:57 am ET

Brian at Cottonwoods,

You are mistaken about Romney having only one wife. Ron Paul has been married to the same woman for over 50 years.

Aside from those two, I am unaware of the other dudes running for office.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 14th, 2007 8:54 am ET

You know, advertising will only piss people off if you ruin their TV programs with commercial after commercial of Romney. If people won't vote for you, wasting money to blast them with non stop ads won't change their mind.

Jim, Cleveland OH   November 14th, 2007 8:43 am ET

I'm a very conservative evangelical Christian. By that, I mean I have a very conservative view of what the Gospels are telling us.

Mr. Romney is a very nice fellow, but he isn't a Christian. He's a Mormon and that's a very different thing. They're nice folks, true, but their practices are not Biblical. If you don't believe me, ask a Mormon what their faith is all about.

I have to say it's a choice between Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee if I were voting Republican at all.

Republicans have spent all these years telling us to vote our "values" but now they're telling us to look beyond that issue. It would seem to me that the Republicans have just been paying lip service to the Evangelical movement.

militant, parkersburg west virginia   November 14th, 2007 7:57 am ET

incorrect on mccain being the #2 GOP ad spender. that would be ron paul, who placed ad buys in the amounts of 430k and 1.1mil separately, for new hampshire and iowa tv and radio time.

Anonymous   November 14th, 2007 7:56 am ET

I love Mitt's hair so he's got my vote

Jeff In Miami Beach   November 14th, 2007 7:28 am ET

Mitt gets my vote for staying married to the same woman for over 30 years, a great family man whose children are working to get their father elected. I like that he made money before going into politics and should make him a little less bribable from the likes of Mark Rich. He really seems to be a good person whose views have evolved to fit the position. A number of people see him as a flip flopper but I really think it is more of an evolution. He is also the only top candidate that was a governor, which means he has run something and also run a budget.

Simon Templar   November 14th, 2007 5:19 am ET

Wow! $85,000 a day for ads. Must be nice to be filthy rich. Yo Mitt. Why don't you just whip out the ole check book and write a 10 million dollar check and buy the Presidency so we can be done with all this crap called campaining.

Scott Saks, Los Angeles, Callifornia   November 14th, 2007 3:12 am ET

The prejudice of so many here is appalling. Aside from Mitt being the smartest candidate, he is the richest candidate. He is the most ethical as well. While I would like to see Ron Paul be the next president, that will not happen due to the ignorance of the American public, however, if I have a choice between Mitt and anyone else running with a chance to win, he will get my vote. I am afraid that Hillary will win the next election and it will be a sad day when this democracy in name elects a socialist.

JRH, Houston, TX   November 14th, 2007 2:26 am ET

I think you should judge how a candidate will handle the nation's budget by how he handles his campaign budget. That's another thing that is so appealing about Ron Paul.

Chris, Macomb IL   November 14th, 2007 1:47 am ET

He can spend all he wants but he is losing ground fast compaired to Mike Huckabee in Iowa...and Huckabee hardly has any money to spend.

I'm going to call it. Romney hasn't a prayer of getting elected.

If the mad cash can't hold his lead against the no cash Huckabee...he hasn't a chance.

Go Huck.

Alan, Alpine Utah   November 14th, 2007 1:32 am ET

Yeah for Romney. He has nowhere near the recognition of the other GOP contenders, no one knows him. He wasn't a star on a crime TV show, he wasn't the mayor of NY during 911, he wasn't a former POW and presidential condidate.

Moey well spent. He is doing better and better

Gordon Blake, Arizona   November 14th, 2007 12:35 am ET

If everyone is so worried about putting a Mormon 'cult member' in control of your government, why aren't you worried about Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid? He's a Mormon too! Could it be that nobody cares because Harry's a liberal?! I guess if you're a conservative Mormon you're a cult member but if you're a liberal Mormon nobody cares.

Max, Boston, MA   November 14th, 2007 12:07 am ET

Being a record spender isn't what I look for in a candidate. It's a bad habit that trickles into the Oval Office. I'd prefer a candidate that knows how to spend wisely.

walt, nh   November 13th, 2007 11:55 pm ET

buying the vote, not my kind of democracy

Newt G. Chicago Ill   November 13th, 2007 11:06 pm ET

Brian in Cottonwood heights. You must of forgotten about Hillary when you said Mitt is the only other candidate to have one wife. Hillary has one wife and one husband but still it is only one wife. check your facts better next time! :)
ROMNEY IN 2008 AND 2012!

I. Dern (Fairfax, Va)   November 13th, 2007 10:59 pm ET

"Moneybags" Mittster strikes again!

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   November 13th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

CNN ~ would you kindly advise why my post was removed? I didn't say anything bad, did I?

ne,pa.   November 13th, 2007 8:15 pm ET

A big phony with deep pockets!

chris, loomis, ca   November 13th, 2007 7:48 pm ET

Romney is trying to buy this election....

Watch out for HUCKABEE! He's rising fast in that new poll just out. Here comes PRESIDENT HUCKABEE!

Tom Dedham, Mass   November 13th, 2007 7:45 pm ET

Posted By Terry, El Paso, TX : November 13, 2007 9:16 am

Posted By Jeff T, Honolulu, HI : November 13, 2007 10:53 am

I will enjoy reading your excuses why Hillarity lost and why Romney won, it will be well worth the wait.

She has NEVER run anything and he has more vast experience and fiscal intellect than she could ever dream of.

She can't prove her experience because her papers are all "luckily" locked up.

She can't throw the flip flop at him, because her views change from second to second, speech to speech, debate to debate and poll to poll, unlike his that are based on YEARS of real LIFE experience.

She can't talk about family, because Mitt has had one wife, no cheating and her husband, well, lets just say he's ADMITTED to being a liar, was disbarred and we won't even discuss the scandals.........

Bring it on Sillary and Billyboy, we need a change and you two "aint" bringing nothing but more of the same tired lies and scandals.

Shawnie Cannon, Grants Pass OR   November 13th, 2007 7:22 pm ET

David from Columbas OHIO

"A veteran needs medical marijuana to help with injuries he sustained in war, the veteran asked Romney if he would arrest him and his doctor for prescribing the medical marijuana. Romney just turned and walked away and didnt give him the time of day."

It wasn't a veteran and he was a plant, he's at all the news events, they bait the candidates and and have camera men ready to film it. It's an old trick to fool folks like you. And his claim was he had MS and had to have it for MS. Well Mitt's wife has MS and knew first hand he was full of BS.

Jerry, Albuquerque, NM   November 13th, 2007 6:29 pm ET

Keep the Clintons out of the White House...WHATEVER IT COSTS!!!

Mark Currier   November 13th, 2007 6:15 pm ET

My god, a candidate who has actually run a sucessful business. We should pass a constitutional amendment that only lawyers can run in an election.

Joseph G, Washington D.C.   November 13th, 2007 5:40 pm ET

Check the polling data. Mitt, Thompson are on the rise, McCain is rebounding from the immigration debacle and Guilianni's numbers are coming down.

Even though Mitt is still hovering pretty low in the national polls he's coming up in popularity. I'm sure this is due to the money hes spending on getting his ads out.

He has a negative sterotype because of his position on gay marriage, his religion, etc. So he really needs to work on getting his message out to counteract negative opinions. Unlike McCain, Gulianni, and Thompson (all of whom had low negatives coming into this race) Romney has needed to overcome alot of obstacles from the start.

It's Guilianni's race to loose. Frankly if Romney expects to win this he needs to work TWICE as hard as the other candidates.

Roy, Salt Lake City, Utah   November 13th, 2007 5:38 pm ET

This is an acceptable comment?....

"I'd love to see him in a tv ad wearing his magic secret pjs. That would be cute. Maybe with all his wives surrounding him too."
Posted By Jeff T, Honolulu, HI : November 13, 2007 10:53 am

Well then this must be too...

I'd love to see Obama in a tv ad eating a watermellon and a bucket of chicken swinging from a tireswing. That would be cute. Maybe with all his cottonfields surrounding him too.

or maybe...

I'd love to see Hillary in a tv ad wearing oven mitts and an apron with a black eye for talking back to her husband. That would be cute. Maybe with all her kitchen appliances surrounding her too.

or maybe...

I'd love to see Guiliani in a tv ad slicking his greasy italian hair back and his face burried in a bowl of ravioli. That would be cute. Maybe with all his stupid Popes surrounding him too.

Point is... a bigot is a bigot. Mormons have done nothing negative to any of you who speak evil. They are actively engaged in spreading what they believe as the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Agree or disagree, but please keep your bigotry tamed.

John, Huntsville, AL   November 13th, 2007 5:27 pm ET

Let's get the definition right! Buying an election, that very negatively charged barb hints that he is buying votes, i.e. actually giving people money directly for their vote. Campaigning, getting his message out, is not dirty, underhanded nor evil, and it isn't buying the election.

Further, for all you hate mongering Christians, you say you can't vote for a Mormon because he'll present Mormon religion while in office. Then you argue that he can't be president because he "hasn't followed his religion in opposing gay rights and abortion!" Do you hear how you're being two-sided hypocrits.
An Alabamian Christian

Walt, Chandler, AZ   November 13th, 2007 5:07 pm ET

Best Government money can buy.

Andrew, NJ   November 13th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

@Phil...

Because he isn't spending money he fund raised. He is spending his own money. So he is indeed buying the election with his own cash.

Honestly whats so conservative about a candidate that is spending more than he is taking in?

Jared   November 13th, 2007 4:21 pm ET

Mitt Romney is spending alot of money for three reasons: (1) Increase his lead in the Primaries, (2) Increase name reconiction and (3) find as many voters who are not biased against him simply for his religious beliefs.

John Edwards said that he wouldn't accept anyone's vote merely because they don't want a woman president. That should be true for any presidential canidate regardless if they're black, mormon or female.

David Columbus, OH   November 13th, 2007 3:19 pm ET

Haha, Jeff T, good response.

Brian Cottonwood Heights, Ut   November 13th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

Jeff T Honolulu,

you comment is possibly the most disrespectful comment I have ever read! Where do you get off mocking something sacred like the temple garments are to Mormons. As for the wives please keep your ignorance to yourself he is the only presidential candidate to have one wife. Ironic isn't it.

Jr, California   November 13th, 2007 2:49 pm ET

"Hey Mitt, save your money. You will not be president."

David Columbus, OH   November 13th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

Romney is an idiot. I would never vote for someone who turns his back on a veteran asking a question. For those of you who don't know... A veteran needs medical marijuana to help with injuries he sustained in war, the veteran asked Romney if he would arrest him and his doctor for prescribing the medical marijuana. Romney just turned and walked away and didnt give him the time of day.

Charley Smithback NJ   November 13th, 2007 2:29 pm ET

If Romney wants to spend a million a day for advertisement what is it to anyone else's business. If he wants to spend his money that is his prerogative.
No one should get upset if I spend my money, I do not get upset if some else is spending theirs.
You do not have to vote for him just because he is spending any amount of money.
He is no different than any of the others running, they all are doing all they can or can afford to do to get the nomination of their party.
They all are trying to convince you to vote for them.

kate bell, scottsbluff NE   November 13th, 2007 2:28 pm ET

I'm sorry to disagree, but the "nobody knows Mitt" argument is truly without merit. We all know him by now; and, unfortunately, he's still spending and spending and spending. I am reminded by his ads, and thsoe of others, of young children who labor under the delusion that, if they just harp on something long enough, they'll get it. Mitt is a consummate businessman and realizes that many people actually seem to believe what ads say, even when they are at cross-purposes with one another.

The argument that people are contributing to Mitt's campaign and that, therefore, he must spend that money campaigning, is also not entirely true. Much of the money Mitt is using and has used is his own, and
all the events simply mean that he has a forum in which to ask for yet more money. I'm surprised that anyone is keeping count of such things. It's not quantity but quality that counts, and the quality has yet to be proven, particularly with all the changes of position.

utah   November 13th, 2007 2:24 pm ET

You think he's spending a lot now, wait until he's in the White House. I country will never go forward with a Republican, they say one thing and do another. War hungry perverts.

Juan Valdez, San Antonio, Texas   November 13th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

Proof one man really can buy anything he wants, with enough money and an oleaginous public image. If ends up as the chosen representative of the republican party, they deserve to lose and lose badly. What image is this?

Mark, Austin, Texas   November 13th, 2007 1:50 pm ET

i'm voting Romney

Good job, Mitt.

Jake, Kailua, HI   November 13th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

If spending all that money amounts to getting the most competent, most qualified, most experienced, and the most virtuous candidate to be our next President, so BE it ! Oh, and yes, Romney is that candidate!

Nick H. Draper, Utah   November 13th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

In 2005 alone, Proctor and Gamble spent $8.2 BILLION selling shampoo and razors.

In 2004, the Presidential elect cost $1.2 Billion.

It seems to me like maybe there isn't enough money in Politics...certainly the choice of who will be the next President of the United States is more important than what brand shampoo you buy. I say keep spending money to educate the people about this hugely important decision!

aj huntington ny   November 13th, 2007 1:31 pm ET

Hillary has more than Mitt, doesn't she? Why arent' people whining about Hillary's big campaign stash?

Jenny, Plano, TX   November 13th, 2007 1:11 pm ET

If Mitt Romney is so carefree with his own money just think how he will be spending the taxpayers money.

Mitt Romney reminds me of Kerry in Republican clothes. It makes me angry that a person can personally buy an election (or try to). The reason Mitt Romney might have done more events than any other candidate (which I don't even know if that statement is correct) is because he is not having to do the fund raising that the others are doing. For the money he is spending, he should be the front runner. However, both Huckabee and Ron Paul seem to be gaining in the polls even for the small amount of money they have spent.

Ra The Florida Keys   November 13th, 2007 12:58 pm ET

I am so tired of having millionaire leaders who are clueless about the problems of the real people.
I am so tired of traitors who pretend to support the people, while doing their best to support the wishes of special interests.

Brad Mesa Az   November 13th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Not So Interested In "Status Quo Lite" For President.

Ron Paul's Economic Stance Will Be Vindicated In 2008. Very Bad Things Are Coming.

War Will Soon Come To American Shores Should We Attack Iran. Russia Will Commit Their Nukes Out Of Desperation.

Ron Paul Is The Only Candidate That Seems To Have Any Skill With Root Cause And Corrective Action Analysis.

Restore The Constitution Or Reap What You Sow.

Cody, Valparaiso, Indiana   November 13th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Can we please keep ignorant comments about polygamy off this page. Mitt has been married to Ann for over 38 years and has five sons. All one wife. These two have more love for one another than a vast majority of married couples today.

Phil, Iowa City IA   November 13th, 2007 12:20 pm ET

How is spending money "buying" the election? He is making up for his severe lack of name recognition. As others have said, Mitt is doing more events and making a bigger effort than any other candidate. If he works as hard as President as he does at running for it–the United States will benefit.

Ryan Theriot, Chicago, IL   November 13th, 2007 12:14 pm ET

All I know is that Ron Paul is the only politician I have ever seen who speaks the truth and wants to fight corruption.

Kathy, Wooster, OH   November 13th, 2007 12:12 pm ET

Better yet, go to http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com topic:
How Do You Explain This, Dr. Bob? .....and all the links to truth told at youtube.com video are there.

Angry Viet Vet   November 13th, 2007 12:06 pm ET

Does this really matter in the longrun? Like it or not, the next President is going to be simply a placeholder until the entire country cracks and falls apart thanks to both the Bush administration for their anti-human agenda and the cojone-less Democrats for doing absolutely nothing about it and basically acquiesing.

Think I'm kidding?

What happened to the Soviet Union in the 80s as the result of a pointless, unwinable war in Afghanistan? (Please don't insult my intelligence by saying Reagan was responsible for the fall of the Soviet Union. Nice fantasy, but so is Pamela Anderson.)

So instead of pissing about these arrogant buffoons that may or may not spend their own money, why not look for real candidates that represent real hardworking, suffering Americans, not the rich plutocracy that is buying the election or the northeastern liberal media that has already decided who is going to run based on "selling papers".

Wake up! These people are all rich hypocrites that have no intention of doing anything for you, if you're not a corporate or wealthy donor. Don't turn your back on them unless you have a good supply of KY.

Kathy, Wooster, OH   November 13th, 2007 12:05 pm ET

Anyone can go to youtube.com, search Romney clips and you'll see the REAL flip flop candidate. Don't be fooled by his 'family friendly' lies. His record tells the truth.

Christine Grace, Overland Park KS   November 13th, 2007 11:58 am ET

Romney has done 450 events? So? Quality – not quantity – is what matters more. And the same goes for money. To the people who say that the fact that he is willing to spend his own money indicates that he is dedicated to the cause – please, stop and think about it. The man isn't exactly living in the suburbs making a couple hundred thousand dollars a year. He has millions – spending a few here and there is not too much of a sacrifice for him. And he isn't exactly what I would call an American success story. His father was pretty well-established, romney just made excellent use of the resources available to him. Keep in mind that his father ran for president previously, so my guess is that he had some money to play with, as well as political connections. I would say that a real American success story would be Bobby Jindal or even Barack and Hillary. Mike Huckabee too. John McCain. But a guy whose father ran for president (hmmm, which president does this remind you of?) doesn't exactly scream "American success story" to me. sorry, i'm just not buying it. i'd rather vote for ron paul than romney. speaking of, ron paul is someone who is making EXCELLENT use of his resources. the man had virtually no name recognition and he has somehow pulled together inspired supporters who are flooding the internet and raising some serious cash. when a politician can get such serious and devoted supporters – that makes me take notice of him, really grabs my attention and makes me want to consider his ideas and learn more about what he has to offer. not a bunch of corny scripted commercials.

JT, Ada OK   November 13th, 2007 11:44 am ET

"Buy an election?" How stupid are you fools? It costs money to advertise.

The only way to "buy" an election is to promise to give every baby $5,000 or give everybody $1,000 for a 401K.

Bill Ogden, Pittsburgh, PA   November 13th, 2007 11:43 am ET

Ron Paul is the only Candidate who can defeat a Democrat nominee. His voting record, integrity, and intelligence far exceeds the so-called Republican front runners. Look at the way he spends his campaign money...the same way he will govern as Commander and Chief–fiscally responsible and Constitutionally accountable.

James, NY NY   November 13th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Romney puts his religion first and his country second. He is part of a cult and a liberal to boot.

Scott,Jupiter, Florida   November 13th, 2007 11:33 am ET

It is sick the amount of money is spent on crap. Imagine the good that could have come from the money spent on campaigning. Each candidate should get a flat rate from a money "pool". This would make it even and cut corporate corruption.

Travis   November 13th, 2007 11:29 am ET

Romney is a fighter and a winner. He can (and might have too) take on the entire democratic field next year. Who do you think the dems fear: Fred "I'm running because the door opened..." Thompson or Rudy "I ran as a Republican but I'm really not" Guiliani? No it is Romney, who is WORKING at a record pace.

Brock, Florida   November 13th, 2007 11:20 am ET

WOO HOO! Way to go Mitt!

I've donated the $2300 max to him and have gotten a couple others to do the same, as well as getting just shy of a dozen to auto-donate him between $100-$500 a month...and I haven't even volunteered for phone banking!

Mitt's a worker and Mitt's a winner. The other campaigns are going to have to quit being lazy by just trying to brush him off as a flipflopper (and, psss... hey...psss....listen, shhh, listen, you didn't hear it from me, but he's Mormon) b/c those strategies are tumbling failures.

Romney's smarter than these guys, and he works harder, he's outraising them, and he can supplement the republican fundraising deficit to the democrats with some of his own money, which he's been doing.

7 weeks until Iowa kicks it off. He wins 3 of the 4 early states, this thing is over. Go Mitt!

Craig Mcdonald TN   November 13th, 2007 11:19 am ET

Mitt Romney is running this like a business. Imagine that. I am a young and very conservative christian and I am very excited to have someone like Mitt with his focus on getting results and fixing tough situations. His experience is just what we need for America today. Just think of the contrast between the failed policies of Hillary and a experience business man with a record like his.

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   November 13th, 2007 11:14 am ET

Bob, I think someone's having to release the comments by hand, probably because everyone complained last week when I said Bush was a #### #### ########## ## ### and ought to have his ##### **** off and that he was just like H#####. So just wait until they get around to your slanders and insults, which will be shortly after they finish deleting mine.

Gina, Bath, Maine   November 13th, 2007 11:12 am ET

Welcome to the best democracy money can buy.

Scott, Logan UT   November 13th, 2007 11:10 am ET

Would you people rather Mitt weather a fluke terrorist attack then become a multi-mullionaire off it like Rudy did... or have him qualify because he's the spouse of an adulterous perjuror like Hillary is...

Rob, Dickinson, ND   November 13th, 2007 11:09 am ET

That money is being put back into our system and being spent by our fellow citizens. The beauty of it is that some it is Mitt's own money, not like any other candidates that won't spend a dime of their of their own money. Thanks Mitt and keep up the good work!

Ben Allbright, Little Rock, AR   November 13th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Funny how Mike Huckabee has about the same numbers in most polls, and spends almost nothing on advertising...

Little Rudy Giuliani, NY NY   November 13th, 2007 11:08 am ET

Mommy, make the scary Mormon guy go away.

Free4all   November 13th, 2007 11:07 am ET

It's interesting that we want people to change. We want pro-abortionists to become human activists; yet when they change we mock them.

Mitt hasn't changed back to being a pro-abortionist. How is that flip-flopping? So he's flipped. Not flip-flopped.

Jeff T, Honolulu, HI   November 13th, 2007 10:53 am ET

I'd love to see him in a tv ad wearing his magic secret pjs. That would be cute. Maybe with all his wives surrounding him too.

Bob, Roxboro, NC   November 13th, 2007 10:37 am ET

I wonder why CNN's moderator often refuses to post my comments. Could I be striking an editorial nerve?

Wayne, Greenville TX   November 13th, 2007 10:34 am ET

It doesn't really matter how much money Mitt Romney spends. Far too many so-called "Christians" in this country will never vote for him because they think that as a Morman he's a member of a cult.

And some of those same people think the Catholic Church is a cult, so that takes care of Rudy Giuliani, too.

Aaron Spurgeon, Des Moines, Iowa   November 13th, 2007 10:25 am ET

At least you can bear to listen to Mitt. That grating, shouting noise coming out of Hillary's pasted smile is one of the biggest turn offs in political communication. Good gosh almighty....stooooooooooop!!!

Jon, Orem UT   November 13th, 2007 10:24 am ET

I'd rather have a candidate who is willing to cough up his or her own money for their election campaign than one who jets around the country begging for our money, but refuses to make a sacrifice themself.

C_Munkie, Nashville Tennessee   November 13th, 2007 10:15 am ET

What many of you don't seem to realize is that this isn't just his money to do what ever he pleases.

Other promenant figures in the Republican party have given him the majority of this money SPECIFICALLY for him to campaign. If he didn't use it gave "that money to a school, or a struggling community", people would be very upset and lawsuits would ensue.

Not using the money for what it was given to him for would be very foolish indeed.

Besides, he needs the boost in name recognition. So stop whining.

Matt, Albany, GA   November 13th, 2007 10:10 am ET

Newsflash – they all spend money.

David Columbus, OH   November 13th, 2007 9:37 am ET

What a waste. Why not give up and give that money to a school, or a struggling community. Yeah, anyone can run for president. I'll just write my 10 million dollar check and be seated in the high office. American politics at it's finest.

Too bad Romney has less in the bank than any other canidate, and for what? He will lose the nomination to Rudy or Ron.

garrison, tukwila, wa   November 13th, 2007 9:34 am ET

Sounds to me like Mitt is just another casualty of the downward cycle of money-power-politics within the US. What a sad state of affairs our political system is in.

Jake, Brussels, BELGIUM   November 13th, 2007 9:30 am ET

This is a smart strategy. Trust me; in the end, you are going to see just as many advertisements from Clinton, Obama, and Giuliani, whose campaigns have just as much money as Romney's. However, Romney lacks their name recognition, so he is wisely frontloading his publicity budget to get his message out.

He's not "buying that election" and he's not "wasting his money;" he's just using that big brain of his, which is a remarkable rarity for a political candidate.

If fact, logically speaking, NOT spending all that donation money is what is really making me suspicious of the other candidates' intentions.

Chris, Pensacola FL   November 13th, 2007 9:24 am ET

It's not a record to be proud of if it's paid with debt or doesn't translate into votes.

Ron Richey, St. Johns, AZ   November 13th, 2007 9:21 am ET

Ok folks, let's just say hypothetically, that I am running for president. My two main opponents are a former first lady and the former mayor of the city attacked in a devastating terrorist incident. Both of these opponents have 100% name recognition–but both are on the wrong side of many issues. I want to make a difference for my country. So I raise more money than any of my party opponents because 1) I have the best campaign organization of any candidate, 2) my campaign message connects with voters, and 3) I am a true leader, not a celebrity.

Now, do you think it is wrong for me to spend that money and use the media to get my message out? How else does a superior, but relatively unknown candidate get into the top tier of candidates? How? Not by being passive, that's for sure. Do we want a president who can actually execute on a plan and make things happen, or one who twiddles his thumbs...

JKap, Schaumburg, IL   November 13th, 2007 9:17 am ET

Now that's what I call grass-roots support, if by grass-roots support you mean spending big bucks on television advertising. Romney's grass-roots support pales in comparison to that of Ron Paul, that's why he's setting records blowing millions on empty TeeVee advertisement.

Adam, Chicago Illinois   November 13th, 2007 9:16 am ET

Seems like Mitt wants it more than the other candidates. He seems to have a solid plan too. Mitt, you've got my vote.

Terry, El Paso, TX   November 13th, 2007 9:16 am ET

Romney is spending a lot of money telling us something, but we can't be sure what his message is.

His messages seem to be "I'm pro-choice, but my focus groups and surveys tell me I'll get more votes if I pretend to be pro-life, so I'm pro-life. Flip-flop."

"I'm for gay rights and civil unions, but my advisors tell me that this position will hurt me with those stubborn evangelicals, so I'm against gay rights. Flip-flop."

The truth is that Mr. Romney is an economic conservative who thinks a lot more about corporate profits than he does gays or abortion. All he knows is that an economic Conservative can't win without the support of the social (evangelical) conservatives, so he is saying what they want to hear. Once in office, like Bush, he can just give their values lip service and not really do anything at all about gays, abortion, or anything else. His goal is to maximize the income of his social class, and most of us don't belong to it.

Dominic, Miami Beach, FL   November 13th, 2007 8:50 am ET

I am a little, well, A LOT, put off when a politician is daily spending more than double my yearly salary on advertisements. All of these campaign contributions could be better spent within the REAL charity domain. Fiscally responsible?

Nick, Alpharetta, GA   November 13th, 2007 8:48 am ET

That money spent goes into the economy and would also help him get into a position where he feels he can do some good. What should he do with it? Hold on to it? Hillary Clinton doesn't even leave tips. What do you think she's doing with all that money she has saved. Mitt has also put his own money into his Candidacy. You think Hillary has done that? He's not as none as others are so he has to do this. It makes sense. It's not wasting money.

C_Munkie, Nashville Tennessee   November 13th, 2007 8:46 am ET

He's not trying to buy his way to the presidency. He is simply trying to make up for a severe lack of name recognition. This move gets him two things:

1. The obvious publicity from so many veiwers seeing his commercials in the few states he does advertise in.

2. The free mass publicity from the news for spending so much money on this.

A year ago when asked most people responded, "Mitt-who?" But now he is getting recognised. So it seems its working. If he has the money to do it, more power to him.

C. Murray, Alexandria, VA   November 13th, 2007 8:45 am ET

Wow, I guess we know what to expect from Mitt, if he becomes President (over my dead body)! Another Tax and Spend Republican! This is not a democracy, as all of the candidates have suggested, it is a "buy-your-way-to-the-White House"!! Republican and Democratic candidates alike are shooting themselves in the foot by spending this kind of money just to be the President, yet not one of them has any plan whatsoever to fix healthcare for all tax-paying Americans, Social Security for Tax-Paying Americans, Infrastructure, etc. But boy oh boy, they will bail out the banks with Tax-Payer dollars in a heartbeat! This Country is the laughing stock of the world!! Thanks Mitt for setting such a fine example of buy-your-way to the White House! Now I guess I know why the Mormons tigthe all that money to the their cult!

Agt. Smart   November 13th, 2007 8:42 am ET

I think it is neat that the candidate with the least amount of funds is also the one who is climbing in the polls the fastest. Mike Huckabee. Perhaps there is a reason for this.

Alex, Dublin, OH   November 13th, 2007 8:37 am ET

Don't bash Romney for trying to get his message across. Like Shawnie said, he has done over 450 events. When you compare that to the 200-250 of other candidates, it's really impressive. He's not buying the election, he's working very hard.

Shawnie Cannon, Grants Pass OR   November 13th, 2007 6:05 am ET

This article again? He has also shattered live events records where he personally shows up somewhere on the campaign trail. 450 events now. No one works harder nor campaigns harder than this man. He is energetic, devoted and an American success story.

Andrew, NJ   November 13th, 2007 3:16 am ET

Keep buying that election Mitt

MS Johnson City TN   November 13th, 2007 2:54 am ET

What a waste of money.
And this is the kind of democracy we want the rest of the world to adopt. No wonder majority of the world lacks democracy. They simply cannot afford it!

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