House Democrats line up TV ad buys for fall races

By PHILIP ELLIOTT Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democrats say they are prepared to spend $49 million on TV ads during the final weeks of the midterm elections in their effort to maintain a House majority.

The advertising strategy comes in the face of a strong challenge by Republicans and an anti-incumbent bent among voters.

Advertising plans reviewed by The Associated Press show the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reserving ad time to defend seats served by fellow lawmakers who were retiring, seeking Senate seats or among the most unlikely freshmen to win re-election.

The ad reservations bring the total number of House districts that party strategists are willing to discuss publicly to 60. The GOP needs to gain 40 seats to capture control of the House.