An analysis of television advertising in this year's primary races in Oklahoma shows that nearly two of every three dollars spent on TV advertising in the state school superintendent race were spent attacking candidates.
The analysis by the non-partisan Center for Public Integrity shows about $3.9 million was spent on television advertising through Sept. 8 for state-level offices, including superintendent, governor, corporation commissioner and state legislative races. That's an increase from about $3.3 million spent during a comparable period in 2010.
The analysis didn't include spending on television advertising for races for federal offices, such as Oklahoma's open U.S. Senate seat that featured a competitive Republican primary.
The data shows that of the $2.1 million spent on television advertising in the superintendent's race, nearly $1.4 million was spent on attack ads.
------------------------------------
KGOU produces journalism in the public interest, essential to an informed electorate. Help support informative, in-depth journalism with a donation online, or contact our Membership department.
