Health reform ads could top $52 million

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- A tally by a media analysis group predicts the advertising battle over health-care reform will include record spending of more than $52 million.

Campaign Media Analysis Group says a bevy of high-powered interest groups will be buying television time this summer in an effort to sway public opinion on the issue.

"This has the potential to certainly be the biggest (ever) as far as an advocacy advertising campaign goes," CMAG Chief Operating Officer Evan Tracey told The Washington Post.

The Post said Wednesday the summer recess is forcing the insurance industry and political groups to spread their spending nationwide as lawmakers scatter out of the Washington area.

Areas with the heaviest amount of spending include Nevada, home of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and other states represented by senators who are members of key committees, the newspaper said.