Assembly campaign spending was down this year by 28% from four years ago – the last time there were contests for all 80 assembly seats and the governorship.

All told, assembly candidates raised $18 million and spent $15.8 million this election cycle, according to 20-day post election-reports filed with the Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).  That’s money raised is down 26% from the $24.4 million raised in 2005, while the money spent is 28% less than the $22 million in 2005.  

“As has been noted all along, the impact of the pay-to-play reforms and the economy is being felt at every level, including the legislative level,” said ELEC Executive Director Jeffrey Brindle.

Although spending was down across the board, Democrats – who held on to 47 out of 48 seats this election cycle despite losing the governorship – outraised and outspent Republicans by a more than two-to-one ratio.  Democratic candidates raised $12.3 million, spent $11.2 and have about $1.1 million left over.  Republicans took in $5.6 million, spent $4.6 million and have about $1 million left.  Independent candidates raised a total of $118,995 and spent $68,504.