Maloney Outspends Neilsen In State’s Costliest Race

WASHINGTON (AP) — US Rep James Maloney poured $1.8 million into his successful re-election bid this year, outspending his opponent Mark Nielsen by $600,000 in Connecticut’s most expensive House race.

The 5th District winner raised $1.4 million in his second faceoff with Nielsen, according to final spending figures filed with the Federal Election Commission. Nielsen raised $996,400, according to his campaign treasurer, Edmond McCarthy.

“It certainly was worth it,” Maloney said about the amount of cash he raised. “It was necessary. It was a competitive race at every level.”

Both candidates spent more than they raised in 2000, and each began collecting campaign cash last year. In 1999, Maloney raised about $617,000; Nielsen raised roughly $300,000.

Maloney finished the campaign with nearly $10,000 cash on hand, but is $150,400 in debt. Nielsen, who spent $1.2 million, owes nearly $61,000. His $1,300 of leftover cash will go toward paying off loans, McCarthy said.

The Nielsen-Maloney rematch was one of the most closely watched House races this year. After the two candidates spent a combined total of $2.2 million in 1998, Maloney defeated Nielsen by about 2,300 votes in the country’s second closest contest.

This year, Maloney won his third term with 54 percent of the vote.

“I have no thoughts on whether I’ll run again,” Nielsen said.

Citing the record breaking amounts of cash they raised, both Nielsen and Maloney said they favor some form of campaign finance reform.

About $245,700 of what Nielsen raised came from political action committees; roughly $546,000 came from individual contributors. Most of Maloney’s contributions – $714,000 – came from PACs. About $671,500 came from individual contributions.

“I think that there is a real problem in terms of special interests donating to candidates, especially incumbents,” Nielsen said.