Expert: GOP ad seems to concede election

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- An ad supporting U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., in North Carolina seems to be conceding the presidential race to the Democrats, a campaign ad expert said.

The 30-second spot financed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee aimed at Democratic challenger Kay Hagan warns voters against Democrats holding the White House and Congress, stating if Hagan wins, the party will "get a blank check," CNN reported Friday.

"They are basically painting the picture that the presidential race is over," said Evan Tracey of Campaign Media Analysis Group. "Overall, people prefer divided government. This is that divided government argument: 'Don't hand sole control over to one party.'"

John Randall, NRSC online communications director, denied that the ad suggest GOP nominee John McCain will lose the presidential race against Democrat Barack Obama.

"The NRSC is not conceding a Barack Obama presidency," Randall said. "Our ad was intended to highlight Hagan's many failings in light of the Democrats' promise to close debate should they control the executive and legislative branches of the federal government."

If 60 Democrats win Senate seats, the party could prevent Republicans from filibustering bills they oppose, and the GOP would be unable to block legislation they are against from advancing.

"You're going to see it in a lot of places these last 10 days, where you have vulnerable Republicans, because ultimately survival instincts are going to take over here," Tracey told CNN. ""It's going to be less about whoever else is running and more about, 'How do I save myself?' "