More money has been spent since last year on broadcast TV ads for Missouri's gubernatorial election than in any other state.
An independent analysis by the Center for Public Integrity released Thursday shows an estimated $27.5 million has been spent on ads aired so far.
Republican political newcomer Eric Greitens has spent an estimated $8.4 million on more than 20,800 ad spots. Democratic Attorney General Chris Koster has spent about $6.2 million on more than 14,700 spots.
University of Missouri-St. Louis political scientist Dave Robertson says the competitive race to replace Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon is a magnet for money.
He said the stakes are high: the Legislature likely will be Republican, so the fate of GOP policies such as right to work likely depend on the next governor's party.
