A Flurry of DSCC/NRSC Spending

The contests enjoying the final flurry of spending from the DSCC and the NRSC illustrate what the Senate party committees are thinking in the last days before the election.

Last week of spending

DSCC
Minnesota: $3.4 million
North Carolina $2.1 million
Oregon: ~$2 million
Kentucky: $1.8 million
Georgia: $1.6 million

NRSC
Minnesota: $1.8 million

Georgia: $1.3 million

North Carolina: $1.1 million
Oregon: $830,000
Kentucky: ?

Judging by this spending, the parties both view Minnesota as the tightest contest. The polls we have been looking at confirm this. Given the wild card of independent Dean Barkley's candidacy, it could either way, and as a result, both parties want to spend the most possible to carry their candidate over the finish line.

Democratic spending in North Carolina and Oregon look like Chuck Schumer's way of solidifying contests that look like they are turning to the blue team. That $840 K for Gordon Smith may be his party's last gasp to save the incumbent.

That the Dems are spending a bit more in Kentucky that in Georgia is telling. Both states have been very tight, but Georgia has been tighter for longer, and Jim Martin does not have Bruce Lunsford's negatives. Frankly, I am surprised they have not spent a bit more in the Peach State, but we may be dealing in degrees here. Furthermore, Democrats may be anticipating a runoff at this point.

While I do not have exact numbers, the NRSC is slightly outspending the DSCC in Mississippi and Louisiana. Schumer's lack of spending in Mississippi in these final days portends as poorly for Ronnie Musgrove as the last polls. Though, to be fair, the DSCC has dropped over $5 million dollars in the Magnolia State this cycle to even make Musgrove competitive.

Total spending this cycle
DSCC: $53.2 million
NRSC: $27.4 million

Senate Democrats have been able to outspend their Republican counterparts by almost 2-to-1. It has been a rough year indeed for John Ensign and company. While they are optimistic for 2010, the map in two years might not be much better, to say nothing for the party's fundraising abilities.