Pre-Caucus Ad Buys Tax Norton

9 Comments

by: Colorado Pols

An undeniable barometer of nervousness, says National Journal’s Hotline:

Ex-CO LG Jane Norton (R) leads the GOP field in her bid to face Sen. Michael Bennet (D), but a costly primary is already sapping Norton of much-needed resources as she heads into an early test of strength.

Norton has spent $243K on TV ads since announcing her candidacy, including a recent surge in the run-up to tonight’s caucuses. The ads urge GOPers to attend the caucuses which, even though they are non-binding, could serve as an embarrassment if she loses to either of her less-well-known rivals.

The run-up to the statewide caucuses “is hugely labor-intensive. It’s all-consuming for a campaign,” said GOP pollster Nicole McClesky, a veteran of CO campaigns who is not affiliated with a candidate this year. Even if Norton loses tonight, McClesky said, “she’s the front-runner.”

But as in other states where the GOP’s establishment favorite has run into roadblocks, Norton is finding trouble on her right flank. If Norton loses to either of her 2 rivals tonight, it will be evidence that the GOP activist class is not ready to coalesce around a candidate yet, and that attacks on Norton’s record are having an impact.

9 thoughts on “Pre-Caucus Ad Buys Tax Norton”

scobb99 says:

March 17, 2010 at 3:36 am

The ads are building name recognition, and while this primary may get nasty, the infighting shouldn’t be any worse than what the Democrats are going through.

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DavidThi808 says:

March 17, 2010 at 3:59 am

She did a good job getting out there to meet people – productive and inexpensive.

But she did a poor job using the web to get to people – which would have also been productive and inexpensive.

Instead she went for TV – which is expensive and this early doesn’t help much for the general.

Curious

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Laughing Boy says:

March 17, 2010 at 6:44 am

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1. sxp151 says:
  
  March 17, 2010 at 6:51 am
  
  Glad you keep giving us these updates.
  
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  1. Laughing Boy says:
    
    March 17, 2010 at 4:32 pm
    
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PlusSC says:

March 17, 2010 at 5:56 pm

Unfortunately the candidate who raises and has the most money usually wins.

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1. RedGreen says:
  
  March 17, 2010 at 9:07 pm
  
  and the Plus Size Costume Lobby. Better watch out!
  
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SheepskinStrutt says:

March 17, 2010 at 8:35 pm

Buck just did all his spending through the 527s. In fact, I believe he wound up spending more in ads if you count the 527 cash, and right-wing talk radio is swarming with them. The Paulbots over a Camp. for Liberty can raise the cash (e.g. Paul 08) and spend it galore, but I highly doubt being ever-more attached to them financially is going to be a boon. Same with DAPAC.

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1. Ralphie says:
  
  March 17, 2010 at 10:33 pm
  
  I’d tread pretty lightly there.
  
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