Introduction

Republican candidate George Allen, right, and Democratic candidate Tim Kaine shake hands during a Senatorial debate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat. AP

Big outside money is pouring into the race for U.S. Senate in Virginia, and for one super PAC, “outside” means from across the country.

Independence Virginia, a super PAC supporting former U.S. Senator and Gov. George Allen, the Republican candidate, reported Wednesday spending $1.5 million on ads opposing the Democratic candidate, former Gov. Tim Kaine.

Two weeks ago, casino magnate and super donor Sheldon Adelson, who lives in Las Vegas, gave Independence Virginia $1.5 million, according to the super PAC’s most recent donor disclosure report to the Federal Election Commission.

Adelson and has family have topped $40 million in giving to conservative super PACs this election, making them No. 1.

But Adelson’s Las Vegas money isn’t the only contribution to have traveled a long way to Virginia. Texas homebuilder Bob Perry, another top super PAC donor, gave $1 million to Independence Virginia in August and September, which was just disclosed last week.

Perry, who has given $20.5 million to conservative super PACs this election, is the third-biggest super PAC donor.

Wyoming investor Foster Friess, another prolific donor gave the group $10,000.

Independence Virginia has spent $3.9 million this election, entirely on anti-Kaine ads.

The race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Jim Webb has attracted more money than any other outside spending race, according to the Center for Responsive Politics — $33 million, not counting Wednesday’s Independence Virginia ad buys.

The conservative nonprofit Crossroads GPS has reported spending $8 million backing Allen, making it the top outside spender in the race. Majority PAC, a super PAC supporting Senate Democrats, is in second place with $5 million, according to CRP.

In other outside spending news:

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