Ad spending - March 3 to June 26

[Blue Rectangle]

Two articles at USA Today have data on ad money spent so far.  The first story focuses on Kerry’s advantage in spending recently (March 3 – June 26).  I believe that Bush outspent Kerry in March and April, so Kerry has really cranked up ad purchases in May and June.  This fact, combined with the lack of a sizeable Edwards bounce, seems to indicate that Bush’s numbers have been more solid than Democrats had hoped.  Also telling is the data of non-party ads:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

So Bush and Kerry have spent similar amounts over the last four month, but Kerry gets an 80% boost from MoveOn et al.  Thus, Bush has been outspent nearly 2 to 1.

The other article focuses on state-by-state spending.
Key points:
Bush is spending heavily in FL, OH and PA compared to Kerry.  Kerry is spending heavily in WI, MN, MO and WV.  Both are spending a curiously high amount of money in NV.  AR, OR, NH, ME and WA have gotten little attention from either.

Sadly, the articles do not show month-by-month spending.  Some of those states that received a lot of money may not be focused on as much now.  Also, VA, NC and CO are three states not included in the study.  Post-Edwards spending in VA and NC will likely increase on both sides.  Kerry's spending in CO would show whether he is serious about the "four-corners" offense.

[MODU]

I read that during lunch.  I still believe groups like Moveon.org need to be included in the campaign spending of the Democrats (and vice versa for any Republican ones).  Or even better, forbid any outside source from running ads related directly to the campaign or either candidate.  Need to make the system legal. Donations to/Advertising by Moveon.org is just a way to get around the FEC rules.

[stry_cat]

I read that during lunch.  I still believe groups like Moveon.org need to be included in the campaign spending of the Democrats (and vice versa for any Republican ones).  Or even better, forbid any outside source from running ads related directly to the campaign or either candidate.  Need to make the system legal. Donations to/Advertising by Moveon.org is just a way to get around the FEC rules.

I don't see any reason why we should take away people's right to free speech.  We do have the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.  The FEC needs to be abolished.  The less political speech we allow the more important the media becomes and we all know how impartial they are.

Besides eventually people will see MoveOn.org for what it is and move on.

[Beet]

If this is true, its bad news for Kerry. His campaign and these other groups have outspent Bush 1.8 to 1, but the polls essentially haven't moved since the Spring.

[MODU]

That's why I disagree with the assertion that Zogby made a few months ago, saying this race is Kerry's to lose.  It isn't.  Kerry has yet to prove he can make an impact in the election, since it has been world news and news regarding Bush that has caused movement in the polls.  This election is definitely in the hands of Bush, and he needs to get his act together before he lets his chance at 4 more years slip through his fingers.

[CARLHAYDEN]

Two articles at USA Today have data on ad money spent so far.  The first story focuses on Kerry’s advantage in spending recently (March 3 – June 26).  I believe that Bush outspent Kerry in March and April, so Kerry has really cranked up ad purchases in May and June.  This fact, combined with the lack of a sizeable Edwards bounce, seems to indicate that Bush’s numbers have been more solid than Democrats had hoped.  Also telling is the data of non-party ads:

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Wait until August when Bush will pick up the spending.

There is an excellent Laci Peterson ad which currently is being tested in a small degree on a couple of cable channels.

When it (and others) are rolled out big time, probably in August, Kerry is road kill.