The race between U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter has been overwhelmed by a multi-million-dollar, televised proxy battle among some of the nation's largest interest groups. They're fighting for supremacy in a state known for face-to-face politics.
The primary election has already cost more than Lincoln's entire 2004 campaign. Outside interest groups have spent more than $2.1 million on television ads in the last few months. Total TV spending, including the candidates' spots, reached $5 million before early voting began last week, according to Kantar CMAG, which tracks political ads.
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