Democrat Jared Polis has poured more of his own money into his congressional campaign than any other candidate in state history.
Polis, a businessman who has given his campaign nearly $3.7 million, has eclipsed oilman Bruce Benson, who self-funded his failed 1994 gubernatorial bid to the tune of $3.6 million, which is widely considered the record.
Unlike Benson, Polis is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat representing just one-seventh of the state, and his money is being used for a primary, not a general election.
Polis has raised just over $1 million from other donors, as have both his opponents, former state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald and conservationist Will Shafroth. Polis’ self-funding is about 54 percent of all the money pumped into the contest. Fitz-Gerald has given her campaign $15,000, and Shafroth has contributed $6,000 to his.
Polis’ campaign manager, Robert Becker, said Friday that Polis was using his money to be competitive in an expensive media market. Polis has used much of his money on television ads — some of which are 60-second spots — in the Denver area.
“He’s very passionate about running for this seat,” Becker said. “He’s been aggressively campaigning and out there every day talking to voters.”
Having millions of dollars to put into a race does not necessarily guarantee a win. Other wealthy candidates have run for state and federal office and lost, despite funneling their own money into the race. Beer scion Pete Coors dumped $1.4 million into his 2004 U.S. Senate bid, and Bob Greenlee poured $1.2 million into his 1998 congressional race.
But money often does give a candidate an edge, said Colorado State University political science professor John Straayer. “There is no question that Polis’ self-expenditures have clearly helped, especially in getting his name out there and recognized,” he said.
Straayer cautioned, however, that sometimes a candidate can get to a point where they get little back for the money.
“What sometimes happens is a candidate can create a boomerang effect — people start to wonder if they are trying to buy the office,” he said.
Karen Crummy: 303-954-1594 or kcrummy@denverpost.com
