Sherman-Berman race sets California spending record
To no surprise of San Fernando Valley voters who were inundated with campaign ads, robo calls and political mail, Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman set a record for spending by candidates in a California congressional race — shelling out more than $11.7 million between them, according to new campaign finance reports.
When spending by outside groups is added, the total outlay in the bitter contest won by Sherman was $16.3 million, making it one of the most expensive congressional races in the country, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in politics.
Although the Berman-Sherman race set a Golden State record for spending by the candidates, the San Diego County congressional race won by Democrat Scott Peters over Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray was the costliest in California — $16.8 million — because of the more than $8.7 million spent by outside groups, including the political parties.
Spending on the Berman-Sherman race surpassed the $11.5 million record for a California House race set in 2000 when Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) ousted Republican incumbent James E. Rogan. But there was more outside spending — an estimated $7.5 million — by the political parties and interest groups in the 2000 race. The race between Berman and Sherman, both Democrats, drew about $4.5 million in outside spending.
Sherman outspent Berman, $6 million to $5.7 million.
Bill Bloomfield, a Manhattan Beach businessman running as an independent who lost a bid to replace Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Beverly Hills), spent the most of any California House candidate — more than $7.9 million, much of it his own money. The Waxman campaign spent $2.6 million.
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