Thursday, June 4, 1998 | 9:38 a.m.
Most people who work for a living are upset when a candidate with a ton of money tries to buy an elective office. The disturbing trend in the nation, including Nevada, is people with substantial amounts of money spending their wealth to capture statewide races. The escalating costs of campaigns also prevents too many quality candidates of modest means from considering a run because they can't even begin to match the personal fortunes that tycoons can tap.
But California voters sent a clear message Tuesday that money doesn't always talk in politics. Together, Al Checchi and Jane Harman spent more than $45 million with nothing to show for it but losses in the California Democratic primary for governor; Checchi poured $30 million into the race and Harman spent $15 million. The winner of the Democratic primary, Lt. Gov. Gray Davis, spent $9 million, raising his money the traditional way -- through contributions from supporters.
While wealthy candidates don't emerge victorious every time, the reality is that the wealthy will continue to win some political races because they can outspend lesser-financed rivals. In addition, their presence will only ratchet up the already outrageous amounts spent on political campaigns.
For a day, at least, voters can take satisfaction from Tuesday's results. The campaign slogan Davis employed, "Experience money can't buy," definitely worked. The bottom line in all of this is that money can't buy you love, and it can't always buy an election.
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