The New York Times reported on Friday that Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the richest man in New York City, has spent $85 million on his current re-election campaign — a U.S. record for most personal money spent in a campaign for public office. Even with the election a little over a week away (Nov. 3), Bloomberg may wind up spending up to $140 million. This includes $30.5 million spent on television advertisements.

By comparison, Bloomberg’s Democratic opponent Bill Thompson has spent only $6 million. Get the point now?

Despite the obvious outcry from populist interest groups, spending money obviously comes with some benefits: Bloomberg is pretty much a lock to win next week’s election, securing his third term as mayor despite harsh attacks from Thompson. Chances are he’s even bought your friends over too. Hundreds of students (including high schoolers) are getting paid to help out in his campaign. Thanks for the beer money, Mr. Mayor!

While it’s easy to perceive Hizzoner as a bourgeois Upper East Sider unaffected by typical outer borough complaints, his approval ratings are relatively high (60%). And anyways, the guy quite frankly doesn’t give a crap about what you think about him or his money: he regularly takes time off in the Hamptons, he’s hired professional golfers to improve his swing, and you can practically see him roll his eyes when he’s talking to “normal” folk on his campaigns ads.

Bloomberg’s response to his the $85 million tab? Oh, you know, “it costs a lot of money to get a message out.” Well, not for his constituents: that homeless in Union Square yells lectures me on the advantages of socialism and acid all the time. I’m sure he doesn’t pay for that message.

By the way, Mayor Bloomberg’s salary: $1.00. See, your extravagant lifestyle can be sustainable despite your low income.