A new report by the Center for Public Integrity shows that more than $26.4 million has been spent thus far on the airing of TV ads for Illinois'2014 political races.
The more than $26 million was spent to air approximately 34,589 TV ads for various 2014 state races between January 1, 2013 to September 8, 2014. During the same time frame in the 2010 election cycle, an estimated $20.5 million was spent to air approximately 26,554 TV political ads for Illinois races, according to the report.
The report ranked Illinois third for political TV ad spending thus far on 2014 state-level races. Pennsylvania and Texas were the two top states, spending more than $37 million and $36.8 million on the broadcasting of TV ads for their respective 2014 state races.
Illinois spending, which only includes the costs to air the TV ads, breaks down to about $2.94 per voter, according to the report.
GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner has spent an estimate $14.5 million to air TV ads. About 13.6 percent of Rauner's ads were negative, targeting his GOP primary rivals and incumbent Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
Quinn has spent approximately $5.7 million to air TV ads. And 75.5 percent of them were anti-Rauner.
Spending by outside political groups on the governor's contest and other state races were also included in the $26.4 million figure.
Read more about the Center for Public Integrity's report here and here.