ill Bradley has made large purchases of advertising for the final week of campaigning in the New Hampshire presidential primary, according to figures from the major Boston television stations.
The former New Jersey senator far outspent Vice President Al Gore in earlier phases of the race for the Democratic nomination, shelling out $2.9 million to Gore's $1.7 million for ads on Boston and New Hampshire stations between Nov. 23 and last week. He had been spending around $330,000 a week recently to Gore's approximately $250,000.
But for the last week of the campaign, Bradley has more than doubled his spending on advertising, booking $734,520 for 212 minutes on Boston stations and 55 minutes on New Hampshire stations to $499,265 for Gore for 133.5 minutes on Boston and 65.5 minutes on New Hampshire outlets.
Gore spokesmen last week said they did not plan large increases in advertising for the final days of the campaign, while Bradley's staff declined to comment on their plans.
Publisher Steve Forbes, as many expected, has bought in heavily, after being outspent more than 10 to 1 by his Republican rivals in earlier phases of the campaign. For the last week, the three leading Republican candidates are spending similar amounts.
On Boston stations, Forbes is spending $354,225 for 107 minutes, to $358,750 for 114.5 minutes bought by Texas Governor George W. Bush and $346,140 for 97 minutes for Arizona Senator John McCain. On New Hampshire stations, Forbes has bought 86 minutes worth $62,988, Bush 86 minutes for $59,539, and McCain 78.5 minutes for $48,050.
Small purchases have been made by Republicans Alan Keyes and Gary Bauer for the campaign finale. Keyes is paying $24,794 for 73 minutes in New Hampshire, Bauer $900 for three minutes. Keyes has not made a recorded purchase on Boston stations, while Bauer is spending $725 for a half-minute.
Globe correspondent Thomas Grillo contributed to this report.
