SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – Campaign finance reports show how much money candidates raise and spend, but experts say that money does not determine the outcome of an election on its own.
Bob Alexander, with Bossier Parish Community College, said the candidate with more money wins four out of five races when money is the only factor considered. He said election outcomes depend on more than money, and that there are different kinds of money to consider: dollars donated to a candidate and dollars spent by the candidate.
Alexander pointed to Alaska’s 2022 U.S. House race as an example. He said Sarah Palin had name recognition that other candidates did not have, and her campaign had more money put into the race. He said the candidate who won was little known at the time, was outspent five to one, but had a message that resonated with Alaska voters. Alexander said money and name recognition matter, but are not the deciding factors.
In the 2023 Caddo Parish sheriff’s race between Henry Whitehorn and John Nickelson, campaign finance reports show Nickelson raised more and spent more than Whitehorn. The figures are based on reports both candidates submitted 10 days before the primary.
Nickelson reported raising just under $70,000 and spending more than $125,000. Whitehorn reported raising just under $6,000 and spending just over $7,500.
An expert said money does not buy elections, but it does buy access. The expert said money does not create quality candidates, but quality candidates attract money.
Jeffrey Sadow, with LSU Shreveport, said some of the biggest spenders in campaigns lose their elections, while other candidates who spend far less win. Sadow said that is a product of competitiveness, and in a spending war between two competitive campaigns, only one candidate can win.
Campaign money can help candidates get their message out and reach voters, but it does not guarantee voters will support them. Experts say money does not necessarily buy a candidate an election, but it can give them an advantage. Voters decide who wins.
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