PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- A total 11 of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate seats sought by Democratic challengers are in districts with high media costs.
The non-partisan Campaign Media Analysis Group said a 30-second ad during a local newscast on a network affiliate in Philadelphia, one of the contested districts, costs about $2,100 -- far more than the approximate $250 in districts like Waco, Texas, where Republican challengers are seeking to take out Democratic incumbents, USA Today reported Wednesday.
While the Democrats are seeking seats in 11 districts with high advertising costs, the Republicans are attempting to take seats in four.
"There are lots of these (competitive) seats in very expensive areas," said Republican pollster Bill McInturff. "It gives incumbents one more modest edge because it's so much harder for challengers to build name ID."
The high costs could spell trouble for the Democrats, as the Democratic National Committee has stored up far less funds than its Republican counterpart for the final stretch into the Nov. 2 midterm elections.
