Super PAC, union reserve Sacramento ad time

July 2, 2012

A Democratic super PAC and one of the nation’s biggest unions announced today they’re backing Democratic House candidates by reserving almost $20 million worth of television ad time in 38 markets across the nation – with the biggest buy in Sacramento.

The House Majority PAC said it’ll spend $999,600 while the Service Employees International Union spends $488,000 in the Sacramento TV market.

That should accrue to the benefit of Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton, and Rep.John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who are seeking reelection in the 9th Congressional District and 3rd Congressional District, respectively. But it may be primarily designed to help Ami Bera, who’s taking on Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Gold River, in the 7th Congressional District.

The PAC says this is just the first stage of its airtime reservations and a continuation of the SEIU’s voter-contact program.

“From day one, House Republicans have pursued an agenda that is extreme and out of touch – and House Majority PAC will be on TV to hold them accountable,” House Majority PAC Executive Director Alixandria Lapp said in a news release. “Partnering with SEIU allows us to be more successful by effectively leveraging every dollar we spend.”

SEIU National Political Director Brandon Davis said the partnership with the House Majority PAC “will ensure that the work being done by SEIU member volunteers at the doors, on the phones and in the neighborhoods is backed up by a vigorous paid media campaign. Our members want to make sure the voice of the hardworking men and women who keep America running is heard and the steps we are taking today will help ensure that happens.”

Reserving ad time early lets buys lock in lower ad rates, saving millions. Lapp said Republican benefactors such as the Koch brothers, Sheldon Adelson and Karl Rove might “have deep pockets, but House Majority PAC has a proven ability to spend efficiently and effectively and win races – just like in the NY-26 and AZ-08 specials when we won despite being outspent by Republican groups.”

A full list of this round of ad buys follows, after the jump…

Augusta – $210,000 (House Majority PAC)
Boston (Manchester) – $1,800,000 (House Majority PAC)
Buffalo – $205,000 (House Majority PAC)
Charleston – $142,000 (House Majority PAC)
Chicago – $1,600,000 (House Majority PAC); $800,000 (reserved jointly by House Majority PAC and SEIU)
Cleveland – $908,000 (House Majority PAC); $454,000 (SEIU)
Davenport-Rock Island-Moline – $185,000 (SEIU)
Denver – $468,000 (House Majority PAC)
Des Moines – $552,000 (House Majority PAC); $138,000 (SEIU)
Green Bay – $138,000 (House Majority PAC); $138,000 (SEIU)
Las Vegas – $308,000 (House Majority PAC)
Marquette – $116,000 (House Majority PAC); $58,000 (SEIU)
Miami – $571,000 (reserved jointly by House Majority PAC and SEIU)
Minneapolis–St. Paul – $594,000 (House Majority PAC); $295,000 (SEIU)
Norfolk – $278,000 (House Majority PAC); $139,000 (SEIU)
Omaha – $306,400 (House Majority PAC)
Orlando – $440,000 (reserved jointly by House Majority PAC and SEIU)
Panama City – $39,000 (House Majority PAC)
Peoria – $252,000 (House Majority PAC)
Philadelphia – $599,200 (House Majority PAC)
Phoenix – $952,000 (House Majority PAC)
Pittsburgh – $736,000 (House Majority PAC); $294,400 (SEIU)
Raleigh-Durham – $378,000 (House Majority PAC)
Rockford – $232,000 (House Majority PAC)
Sacramento – $999,600 (House Majority PAC); $488,000 (SEIU)
Savannah – $225,000 (House Majority PAC)
Seattle – $800,000 (House Majority PAC)
Sioux City – $158,000 (House Majority PAC); $79,000 (SEIU)
St. Louis – $575,000 (House Majority PAC)
Tallahassee – $76,200 (House Majority PAC)
Tampa-St. Petersburg – $330,000 (reserved jointly by House Majority PAC and SEIU)
Traverse City – $258,000 (House Majority PAC); $129,000 (SEIU)
Tucson – $330,000 (House Majority PAC)
Wausau – $200,000 (House Majority PAC); $100,000 (SEIU)
West Palm Beach – $252,000 (House Majority PAC); $126,000 (SEIU)
Wilmington – $127,000 (House Majority PAC)
Wheeling-Steubenville – $33,700 (House Majority PAC)
Youngstown – $107,000 (House Majority PAC)