Public Media from Michigan State University

Snyder won't spend as much personal wealth in general election

GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Snyder.
Courtesy Photo

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-917223.mp3

Lansing, MI – Republican nominee Rick Snyder expects to rely a lot less on his personal fortune as he continues to campaign for governor after winning Tuesday's GOP primary. Snyder spent nearly $6 million of his own money to win the primary.

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The former Gateway CEO and venture capitalist refused to ask interest groups for donations and was by far the largest contributor to his own campaign. And his victory on Tuesday bucked the odds.

"Both nationally and in Michigan, it's fairly uncommon for self-financed candidates to win their races," says Anne Bauer with the National Institute on Money in State Politics.

Bauer says nationally, only 11 percent of self-funded candidates for legislatures or statewide offices actually win.

"That trend is much more pronounced in Michigan, however," she says.

Bauer says in Michigan over the past nine years, only five percent of self-funded candidates won. Snyder's campaign says he will rely less on his own fortune because he now expects to attract donations from people who supported other Republicans in the primary.

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