The latest ad reports from Campaign Media Analysis Group, a firm that monitors such spending for the Post-Dispatch, shows that in the GOP contest for governor – state Treasurer Sarah Steelman is the big spender.

She spent almost $120,000 on TV ads last week, compared to just under $25,000 for U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia.

Since their contest began, Steelman has spent $140,000 on TV spots, compared to $27,000 for Hulshof, the firm says.

Hulshof’s ads are targeted in southwest Missouri, airing during the local news, ABC’s Good Morning America and popular-with-older-viewers syndicated shows like the Wheel of Fortune and the Andy Griffith Show.

Steelman’s ads are running statewide, except in St. Louis, according to CMAG’s reports.  They are mainly airing on news shows, including CBS’ 60 Minutes, plus Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud.

 MEANWHILE:

The Springfield News-Leader is reporting the latest back-and-forth between the two camps over who’s taken what from supporters of embryonic stem-cell research.