By Nathan Duke
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has spent an estimated $7 million more on his mayoral campaign so far than he did during his 2005 bid at this point in the campaign, according to city campaign finance records.
Bloomberg, who is running for a third term as mayor as an independent, has spent a total $18.5 million of his own money in the campaign so far, campaign finance records revealed. Between April 8, ,2004 and May 18, 2005, the mayor had spent $11.8 million on his 2005 bid.
A spokesman for city Comptroller Bill Thompson, one of Bloomberg’s three Democratic opponents in the mayoral race, took aim at Bloomberg’s increased spending during this campaign year.
“Mike Bloomberg is spending almost $19 million to try to convince New Yorkers that they need four more years of higher taxes, rising unemployment, record homelessness and overcrowded schools,” the spokesman said.
Thompson has raised a total $5.1 million so far and spent $1.7 million, according to campaign finance records. Bloomberg’s other Democratic rivals include U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D−Forest Hills), who has raised $5.1 million and spent $975,000, and City Councilman Tony Avella (D−Bayside), who has raised $248,270 and spent $116,664.
Weiner has said he will likely decide in June whether he intends to run against Bloomberg.
The mayor’s office announced it would host open houses at Bloomberg’s northeast Queens campaign office, at 157−16 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 26 and from noon to 3 p.m. May 31.
Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e−mail at nduke@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718−229−0300, Ext. 156.
