In smoking election, ban supporters outspent, outraised opponents

One Air Alliance spent more than four times what Live Free Springfield did

June 05, 2012|by Brad Belote | Follow me @bradbelote

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Opponents and supporters of Springfield's smoking ban spent more than $50,000 combined to persuade voters in Tuesday's election.

Voters upheld existing restrictions on smoking by more than 5,000 votes.

Supporters of the ban, led by the One Air Alliance, spent at least $45,610, according to Missouri Ethics Commission records.

The money was all paid to The Campaign Workshop, a campaign consulting group inWashington, D.C., which bought radio ads, yard signs and door hangers.

One Air Alliance had raised $26,500 as of May 28, including $15,000 from the American Cancer Society office in Springfield. Richard Splitter, a retiree, gave the group $5,000 in April.

Opponents of the ban who initiated the election spent much less and raised about half of what One Air Alliance did.

Live Free Springfield had spent $10,723.65 on the election as of May 28. The group's expenses included $4,000 for a poll and $6,000 for advertising. The money went to Victory Enterprises, an Iowa-based political consulting business.

Live Free Springfield had raised $13,835.55 up until the final week before the election. Donations came from more than 60 businesses and individuals including a $2,000 contribution from the Missouri Amusement Machine Operators Association, $3,900 from Bruce Chrisope and $1,000 from Just for Him. The group also held a $10 a person fundraiser at the Albatross on May 21 that raised $678.

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