Outside spending tops $7.2 million in East Bay Senate runoff | The Sacramento Bee

It's Election Day, and outside groups have spent more than $7.2 million in the Democrat-vs.-Democrat runoff campaign in the East Bay’s 7th Senate District.

Through Monday, wealthy Southern California businessman Bill Bloomfield, public employee unions, dentists and others had spent almost $7.3 million to help or hinder the prospects of Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, or Orinda Mayor Steve Glazer since March 18, the day after the two finished atop a five-candidate field in the special primary election. That’s on top of the nearly $2.4 million in pro-Glazer, pro-Bonilla and other outside spending before the March 17 primary.

The outside money has paid for TV ads, mailers, polling, door-to-door canvassers and other expenses. Of the spending total through Monday, $4.2 million backed Glazer or hits Bonilla and almost $3 million supported Bonilla or hits Glazer.

The Glazer and Bonilla campaigns, meanwhile, have collectively raised about $1.1 million since March 18.

The interactive chart below (or click here) shows the top outside spenders, and who the money supported or opposed, since March 18. Hover or tap a bar for more information. Go here to see an interactive map of the March 17 results.

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