Dems kill more ads in Ohio

The top Democratic campaign committee and the leading Senate Democratic super PAC have canceled nearly $2.5 million in television advertising set to run in Ohio next month, another sign that former Gov. Ted Strickland’s campaign is flagging.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee canceled nearly $1.5 million in advertising slated to run in five Ohio media markets the week of Oct. 11. The Senate Majority PAC killed just over $1 million in advertising set to run in the Cleveland and Columbus markets.

Both groups spent the month of September canceling ad reservations week by week as polls mounted showing Strickland falling far behind Sen. Rob Portman (R). 

Strickland’s campaign remains on air, with more than $4 million in ads slated to run between now and Election Day.

But without the big-name Democratic groups, Strickland is likely to be outspent by Republicans backing Portman. The Senate Leadership Fund, an outside group connected to the American Crossroads network, has about $4 million in airtime booked next month.

Portman’s campaign will spend between $600,000 and $1 million per week for the rest of the campaign, according to an ad buyer tracking the race.

Recent surveys have shown Portman significantly ahead of Strickland. A Fox News survey released last week showed Portman leading 51 percent to 37 percent, and a Suffolk University survey showed Portman ahead 39 percent to 31 percent.

Updated 8:11 p.m.