New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is creating his own Super PAC because he finds the current tone of the election "frustratingly superficial," The New York Times' Raymond Hernandez reports. Perhaps Bloomberg has a superficial understanding of Super PACs, because while their effectiveness is debatable, it's clear they have not elevated the debate. Bloomberg plans on spending $10 million to $15 million of his own cash to back:

• Angus King, independent Senate candidate in Maine
• Gloria Negrete McLeod, Democratic challenger to California Rep. Joe Baca, because Bloomberg thinks he's weak on gun control.
• Rep. Bob Dold of Illinois, who supports gun laws.

Bloomberg plans on keeping his Super PAC going after he leaves office in 2014. 

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at ereeve at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Elspeth Reeve