West Virginia gubernatorial candidates spending millions

West Virginia’s open race for governor, matching up Democratic billionaire Jim Justice against Republican state Senate President Bill Cole, has cost about $8.1 million, according to campaign finance reports through late September.

Both races are flooding TV airwaves with political hit ads that are expected to continue through Election Day.

Justice, a coal and agriculture businessman, has loaned his campaign $2.6 million and his campaign has spent $3.5 million to date. In addition to his own money, Justice has raised another $1.3 million, and has $150,200 left in his campaign account.

Cole, who has spent $2.1 million, has relied on his wealth to a lesser degree. He has raised $2.1 million and put $600,000 of his own money into the race through loans and direct contributions. He has $418,700 cash remaining.

- See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-election/20161003/wv-gubernatorial-candidates-spending-millions