Outside groups spending millions on ads

OUTSIDE GROUPS SPENDING MILLIONS ON ADS
[SOURCE: Associated Press 9/30, AUTHOR: Jim Kuhnhenn]
The images are searing, violent. Smoke and flames pouring from the World Trade Center towers. Bullets ripping through military protective vests. The scenes are from this year's campaign ad wars, waged outside the control of candidates or political parties. Heading into the final weeks before the Nov. 7 elections, independent advocacy groups, many financed by a few wealthy donors, are spending millions on ads in some of the most contested states and congressional districts. Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 26, Republican-leaning groups spent $13.8 million on advertising while advertising on behalf of Democrats totaled $6.3 million, according to the Campaign Media Analysis Group. Throw in the advertising the political parties are paying for, and the Republicans have spent $5 on ads for every $3 spent by Democrats. That is a significant reversal from 2004, when Democratic groups outnumbered and outspent Republican organizations. Now, some Democratic officials are wondering when their deep-pocketed liberal allies will step in to help.
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