Report: NYC Mayor Bloomberg spending millions as ‘counterweight’ to NRA
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent millions in political advertisements as part of an effort to become a “counterweight” to the National Rifle Association, the National Journal reported Sunday.
Through his super PAC, Independence USA, Bloomberg, who defines himself as independent, has bought campaign ads in five states supporting candidates who favor strict gun-control measures, including a $2.35 million purchase on behalf of California state Sen. Gloria Negrete-McLeod (D-CA) in the race for a new congressional district seat in the Inland Valley region.
The group has also purchased ads backing congressional candidates in Illinois, Florida, Connecticut, and his home state of New York, as well as an ad in support of Kathleen Kane, a Democratic candidate for attorney general in Pennsylvania.
“There has never really been an effective counterweight to the NRA — at least in terms of dollars, cents and the ability to get a message out,” Independence USA spokesperson Stefan Friedman said. “I think the mayor’s been clear this is an issue he cares very passionately about and this could very well be a curtain-raiser to the future.”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/11/04/report-nyc-mayor-bloomberg-spending-millions-as-counterweight-to-nra/