Ensign promises to match Senate Democrats

WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- Senate Republicans will match dollar-for-dollar what the Democrats plan to spend this campaign cycle, U.S. Sen. John Ensign said Wednesday.

The Nevada Republican, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said the GOP would match Democrats' spending despite a nearly 2-to-1 disadvantage in cash on hand, The Hill reported.

Ensign noted that Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who leads the Democrat Senatorial Campaign Committee have recently placed television buys totaling approximately $44.8 million in targeted Senate races in a handful of states.

"I will not allow our Republican candidates to be outspent by the DSCC this cycle," Ensign said.

The Hill reported that the Democratic campaign committee had about $22 million more than its Republican counterpart at the end of June.

"While I am aware we do not currently have the funds to match the DSCC, I am giving our (independent expenditure) unit this budget on faith -- faith that my Republican colleagues will step up to the challenge and transfer the funds necessary to remain competitive with the Democrats," Ensign said.

"I have informed my colleagues that it is now up to them," he added.