Campaigns' Ads Go Separate Ways (some interesting ad data in battleground states)

LA Times ^ | 9/21/04 | Nick Anderson

[Cableguy]

[relevant parts]

The Times data, from the independent ad monitor TNSMI/Campaign Media Analysis Group, show Bush spent $7 million on TV ads in the largest markets of battleground states from Sept. 12 through Saturday. Kerry spent $4.4 million.

The spending showed the emerging contours of the electoral map two weeks after Labor Day. Kerry targeted 11 states, up from eight the week before. They were: Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The new states on Kerry's list were Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada and Oregon, while West Virginia dropped off.

Bush matched Kerry in every state and also bought time in Colorado, Arizona, Maine, Missouri, Washington state and West Virginia.

As it had in previous weeks, the Democratic National Committee also spent independently to help Kerry stay alive in some Bush-leaning states such as Arizona, Missouri, Colorado and North Carolina. The DNC spent, in all, more than $4 million for the week. Starting today, the Kerry campaign will advertise in Colorado for the first time this month, a Democratic strategist said.

Among groups outside the campaigns and political parties, anti-Bush MoveOn.org spent about $200,000 for the week; anti-Kerry Swift Boat Veterans for Truth spent more than $415,000, and anti-Kerry Progress for America spent more than $575,000.

[comebacknewt]

More confirmation that GWB is likely to hold WV.

[cons_Mark]

Good news

Apparently, Kerry thinks Michigan is in play, and he has to devote resourses to win here.

If you remember the movie "Great Escape" with Steve McQueen, the main purpose was to occupy the Nazi's chasing done the good guys in their own area, and affecting their offensive capabilities.

Gotta love the fact the Bush has a couple of unopposed spending zones- in Maine and in Washington- and those races are getting closer.