Clark Spent Most on TV for Today’s Contests

John F. Kerry is the only Democratic presidential contender to advertise recently in all seven states with primaries or caucuses today, but rival Wesley K. Clark spent far more on television commercials than any of the candidates, according to data compiled for The Times.

Clark, a retired Army general, spent more than $2.7 million on broadcast television ads from Jan. 25 through Saturday, according to TNSMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group, which monitors political advertising.

Clark did not enter the race until September, and his spending reflects his late start, said Evan Tracey, the analysis group’s chief operating officer.

“This is truly a presidential campaign that’s based 80% to 90% on paid media,” said Tracey.

Kerry, the Massachusetts senator whose victories in Iowa and New Hampshire have made him the frontrunner, spent more than $590,000 in that period.

And, in a sign of his reversal of financial fortunes, former Gov. Howard Dean of Vermont spent nothing on TV after his loss Jan. 27 in New Hampshire.

The candidate who had raised $41 million in 2003 -- a record for a Democrat -- decided to hoard his dwindling money for contests later in the month.

Polls show Kerry likely to win most -- if not all -- of today’s contests. But Clark is hoping for a respectable showing in at least some of the states.

Among the states voting today, Clark spent the largest chunk of advertising money in Arizona -- more than $715,000. He also poured money into TV ads in New Mexico ($226,000), Oklahoma ($284,000) and South Carolina ($337,000). He also bought ads in states that vote Feb. 10 -- Tennessee, $452,000, and Virginia, $524,000 -- and Feb. 17 -- Wisconsin, $183,000. In all of those states, Clark spent more than any other candidate. Clark bypassed Missouri -- the state with the most delegates at stake today (74) -- where polls show Kerry well ahead.

Kerry spent less on ads there -- roughly $87,000 -- from Jan. 25 through Saturday than in Arizona, South Carolina, Oklahoma and New Mexico. He also spent modestly in Delaware and North Dakota, the other two states voting today.

Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina spent more than $490,000 during the week, more than half of it in South Carolina and Oklahoma.

Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut spent more than $410,000, the bulk of it in Arizona and Oklahoma.

Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio spent $25,000 on ads in New Mexico and Oklahoma.

The Rev. Al Sharpton did not air television spots during the period.