From Politico · · 1m 20s
Republicans' TV ad cash advantage shrinks fast
GOP's 677 million dollar spending edge on broadcast ads translates to far fewer airings than Democrats' 479 million, as outside groups pay steeper rates.
In brief
GOP's 677 million dollar spending edge on broadcast ads translates to far fewer airings than Democrats' 479 million, as outside groups pay steeper rates. Republicans' massive cash advantage in Senate races is eroding on broadcast TV because outside groups pay higher ad rates than candidates, leaving them with fewer…
Republicans' cash edge isn't translating to ads
Republicans have spent six hundred seventy seven million dollars on broadcast TV ads across ten key Senate battleground states, compared to four hundred seventy nine million by Democrats.But their money isn't going nearly as far.
Outside groups pay much higher ad rates
Republicans are more dependent on outside groups that pay much higher rates than candidates do. This disparity means their spending advantage shrinks when converted into actual airtime on television.
Ohio shows the spending-to-airtime gap
In Ohio's Senate race, Republican groups make up sixty three percent of the two hundred eighteen million dollars spent.
Texas and Michigan show the same pattern
In Texas, Republicans have outspent Democrats by a three to one margin but have aired just fifty eight percent of the ads.
Democrats stay competitive despite GOP spending
The disparity has helped Democrats stay in the fight for Senate control amid an onslaught of GOP outside spending. Their lower spending translates to more efficient airtime purchases than Republicans achieve.
What matters most
Republicans' massive cash advantage in Senate races is eroding on broadcast TV because outside groups pay higher ad rates than candidates, leaving them with fewer airings despite outspending Democrats.
