By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-921955.mp3
LANSING, MI – Republican Rick Snyder spent millions of his own dollars to win the GOP nomination for governor, according to campaign finance statements due Thursday. Democratic nominee Virg Bernero spent less than his primary opponent, although he was helped by ads paid for by political committees that were not officially part of his campaign.
Snyder's campaign to win the Republican nomination was pretty much self-funded. He spent $6 million out of his own personal fortune on a campaign that made "One Tough Nerd" a household name in Michigan. But campaign aides say he does not expect to have to dig so deep into his own bank account for the general election.
Campaign donations have picked up since he won the nomination. Snyder says he will continue to refuse contributions from special interest political committees.
Bernero relied on public funds that Snyder is not eligible for to keep his campaign in the black. Bernero was outspent by his rival for the nomination, but the independent Michigan Campaign Finance Network says he was assisted by more than $2 million spent on TV ads by the Genessee County Democratic Party.