Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch has suspended television advertising in two major Iowa media markets, Sioux City and the Quad Cities, at least for now. The campaign says they’re rethinking their media buys based on how many voters have requested absentee ballots.
Campaign officials say for the short term they’re moving their limited broadcast funds into the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids television markets instead, areas where Hatch expects to do well. Communications Director John Hedgecoth said the election begins on Thursday with early voting, and the campaign wants to reach as many of those early voters as possible.
“Right now that means looking at the numbers from county auditors about who's planning on voting in the very near future,” Hedgecoth said.
Traditionally campaigns ramp up television advertising as an election nears, and that’s prompting speculation that Hatch is running short of funds. Hatch’s campaign coffers pale in comparison to Governor Branstad’s. At a news conference Hatch said they will have enough money to…quote… get their message out. The Branstad campaign is using its 4 million dollar warchest to run t.v. ads statewide.