More than ever, money matters in Ind. races

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - This election cycle is showing more than ever that money matters.

Combined spending in Indiana's Senate primary and general election has hit about $16 million and will rocket higher in the race's final weeks.

Big tallies may be new for Senate candidates used to more modest sums like the roughly $6 million spent in total during the 2010 race. But Indiana's gubernatorial candidates know big spending well. The 2004 contest saw more than $31 million spent between Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Gov. Joe Kernan.

Republican candidate Mike Pence's big fundraising lead has helped him run a disciplined campaign and go on air early to define himself before Democrat John Gregg could. Gregg meanwhile had to rely on Statehouse media for exposure to try and overcome that money deficit.