(Las Vegas, NV)  –  The two major candidates for Nevada’s U.S. Senate seat are spending big money this year, but not as much as national political action committees.

The “Review-Journal” says as of September 30th, incumbent Republican Dean Heller has spent $6.5 million, while Democrat Shelley Berkley’s campaign has gone past the $9 million mark.

Outside spending in the race is even heavier.  The Center for Responsive Politics estimate groups such as the conservtaive Crossroads GPS and the liberal Patriot Majority have already spent nearly $18 million on ads to influence Nevada voters.