Republicans, Democrats spent $4.2M in 6 Wis. recalls

Parties spent $4.2M in 6 Wis. recalls

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - An Associated Press analysis of new campaign finance reports shows Republicans and Democrats have spent about $4.2 million in six Wisconsin recall campaigns involving incumbent Republican state senators since January. Almost half of it has come in just the last three weeks.

Republicans outraised Democrats, $3.1 million to $2.1 million over the first seven months of the year. Democrats ramped up their spending in July, though, pouring more than $1 million into their campaigns during the month compared with about $885,000 for the Republicans.

The analysis doesn't include spending by outside groups.

Elections in the six recalls are set for Aug. 9. Recall elections against two Democratic senators are scheduled for Aug. 16.

Anger over the senators' stances on Gov. Scott Walker's collective bargaining law spurred the recall efforts.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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