NJ set record for 2013 election spending

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New state figures show spending in New Jersey's 2013 election topped $53 million, the most ever without adjusting for inflation.

The Election Law Enforcement Commission on Tuesday says the new analysis shows the 2013 election also saw $9.8 million in spending by outside interest groups, up from $1.8 million in 2011.

Deputy Director Joe Donohue says the uptick in spending is probably due to rules that limit disclosure.

The commission's report shows that if adjusted for inflation 2013 spending amounts to $54.6 million. That's the highest amount in inflation-adjusted terms since 2003 when $58.2 million was spent

Gov. Chris Christie was re-elected in 2013 and Democrats kept the majority in both houses of the Legislature.

Experts say this year's election will likely see low turnout and spending.

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