Whoever said that money can’t buy happiness never had the resources of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Making his third bid for mayor, Bloomberg has spent a record $85 million of his personal finances for his re-election campaign. — JCL

Reuters:

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent more of his own money in pursuit of public office than any other individual in U.S. history, spending $85 million as of Friday on his latest reelection campaign, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

Citing newly released campaign records, the Times said Bloomberg was on pace to spend between $110 and $140 million before the November 3 mayoral election. That means the self-made billionaire will have spent more than $250 million in his three bids for mayor of America’s most fabled city.

In contrast, New Jersey Governor and former Goldman Sachs chairman Jon Corzine spent about $130 million in two races for governor and one for the U.S. Senate, the Times reported.

Read more

Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface.  We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig