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Summary: As Americans continue to feel pressure at the pump and citizens become more environmentally conscious, energy related advertising thrives. Since January 1, 2011, nearly $133 million has been spent on ads discussing energy. Natural Gas is one of many areas where spending is strong � since January 1, 2011 the Natural Gas Industry has accounted for $26.5 million of the total energy spending. The Natural Resources Defense Council is on the air with a 30-second spot denouncing Representative Fred Upton, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. In the ad, the group criticizes Upton for supporting HR 911, which the group claims would change the Clean Air Act and �[the bill] undermines clean protections that protect our health.� Although the ad, which aired in the Grand Rapids, MI media market, denounces Representative Fred Upton, it also concludes by urging viewers, �Tell your Senators that you oppose any legislation that would stop the EPA from protecting our health.�

In May alone, over $9 million was spent on natural gas ads airing over 3,600 times. This chart analyzes the individual spending of the top five groups airing ads in May.

Break Down of the Top Five May Spenders:
Exxon Mobil	$6,390,000
American Natural Gas Alliance	$1,672,000
Oneok	$514,000
Chesapeake Energy	$157,000
Chevron	$120,000

Recently, many Natural Gas Industry advertisers have been referencing Hydrofracking or Hydraulic Fracturing, in television advertising. Hydrofracking is essentially the process of fracturing rock layers to extract oil and natural gas from far below the earth�s surface. Hydrofracking is relatively inexpensive, and provides Americans with an easy way of accessing and using American resources. However, Hydrofracking has come under scrutiny from environmental and energy groups because of risks of ground water contamination and health risks.

A single ad released by Exxon Mobil accounted for 70% of all Natural Gas Industry spending during the month of May. Geologist Erik Oswald explains in the ad how technological advancements have enabled Exxon to access cleaner, safer natural gas from deep in the ground. �These deposits are going to provide us with fuel for a hundred years,� and �provide energy security and economic growth all over this country,� Oswald notes in the spot. �Chesapeake Energy is currently airing an ad campaign featuring community landowners and farmers discussing the relationships forged with the energy company. The spots rely on local citizens� endorsements to demonstrate the local impact Natural Gas extraction has on communities, while stressing the global and national importance of affordable, reliable, American energy. Chevron is on the air with a spot drawing attention to a natural gas project the group is building in Australia. The project is so large it could provide �enough power for a city the size of Singapore� for 50-years.� Natural Gas is the cleanest conventional fuel there is, making it the �smart way to go� for a reliable energy source, notes the spot.

Another layer of the energy debate is coal. In their ads, the coal industry has emphasized how its modern technology has allowed for clean coal�s commitment to protecting the environment. Like natural gas ads, coal ads have placed significant emphasis on the importance of providing consumers with clean and affordable energy sources.�

Healthcare

Sponsors: AARP; Progressive Change Committee & Democracy for America; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Protect Your Care

Summary: Healthcare continues to be a major political issue. Since January 1, 2011, more than $14.7 million was spent on healthcare related TV ads, and healthcare advertising saw more than 28,500 occurrences on the airwaves.

In May, AARP launched an ad addressing Social Security and Medicare. The spot addresses these issues by noting, �Some in Congress want to make harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare� cutting your benefits so Washington can pay its bills.� The ad continues, �AARP believes the country can do better. We can cut wasteful spending without cutting the benefits you�ve earned.� The spot concludes by urging viewers to tell Congress to stop these harmful cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

In the wake of the Democratic victory in New York�s 26^th District, Progressive Change Committee & Democracy for America recently teamed up to release an ad denouncing Congressman Charlie Bass (NH-02) for his vote to �end Medicare.� The ad features a retired and disabled Social Worker explaining without Medicare, her medical bills would financially ruin her. The woman explains her father worked with Charlie Bass, and she voted for him five times, �but, Charlie Bass has changed.�

This week the first Republican presidential debate brought national media attention to New Hampshire, and not just with presidential hopefuls. One pro-healthcare reform group, Protect Your Care, relied on the debate to focus on the prevention of cuts to Medicare. The group�s spot, airing only in New Hampshire, features an elderly lady worried about the uncertainty surrounding Medicare funding. She blames the Republicans for wanting �to cut Medicare� while they give tax breaks to millionaires� and �say �good luck�� to seniors. The ad ends with a caption calling for viewers to stop the �Republican plan to cut Medicare.�

While Medicare is a highly politicized issue right now, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is on the air with a simple ad addressing Medicare fraud. The ad explains what Medicare fraud is, and encourages viewers to become part of the �Senior Medicare Patrol� by visiting StopMedicareFraud.gov.

Swipe Fee Reform

Sponsors: American Family Voices; Merchant Payments Coalition & The West Virginia Retailers Association; Merchant Payments Coalition & North Carolina Retail Merchant Association;

Summary: There was a flurry of broadcast spending surrounding the U.S. Senate vote to delay debit card swipe fee regulations. The bill, sponsored by Senators Jon Tester and Bob Corker, was rejected last week. The bill produced $16 billion in revenue for the banking industry by charging on average $.44 for each card transaction. As a result of the vote, the Federal Reserve Board will start enforcing this reform bill on July 21^st. In the final days leading up to the vote, groups supporting retailers took their fight to the airwaves.

American Family Voices came on the air with an ad featuring a small business owner. In the ad, the man speaks directly to the camera and explains how big banks and credit card companies have been pushing consumers to use plastic instead of cash, but �then they use their market power to charge you and me these loan shark rates for the privilege.� The ad continues by explaining big banks are trying to undo credit card reform laws, and if they get their way, �it�s like another bailout.� The spot concludes by urging consumers to call Congress and tell them to �stand up for small businesses and consumers, and to leave swipe fee reform alone.��

Merchant Payments Coalition & The West Virginia Retailers Association teamed up to release a spot in West Virginia targeting Senators Manchin and Rockefeller. In the ad, various small business owners and consumers urge the Senators to oppose efforts to undo swipe fee reform. Merchants Payments Coalition also teamed up with the North Carolina Retail Merchant Association to release a similar spot in North Carolina. That ad calls swipe fee reform just �another Wall Street Bailout at the expense of North Carolina small businesses,� and urges Senators Burr and Hagan to stand by North Carolina retailers in these tough times by not delaying needed swipe fee reform.

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Key State Ads In Detail

Alaska

Sponsors: Alaska Wild Salmon; Pebble Partnership

Summary: Continuing the long running ad war on Alaskan mining, Alaska Wild Salmon has released an ad against the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. The project to explore the bay for ore deposits is environmentally and economically contentious. Alaska Wild Salmon claims in the ad that �every mine like Pebble has destroyed the waters around it. Every one.� This argument is especially significant in the Bristol Bay area, which has one of the largest salmon populations in the world. In response, Pebble Partnership continues to release ads featuring the same woman featured in previous Pebble Partnership ads. In the ad, the woman argues that in these very difficult economic times, people are leaving Alaska because of high living costs and schools closing due to low populations. The Pebble Mine, she claims, �will create jobs and opportunities that offer stability.�

Connecticut

Sponsors: Partnership for Connecticut�s Future

Summary: Partnership for Connecticut�s Future, a self-described �grassroots organization of citizens, businesses and community leaders� according to their website, has aired a series of ads addressing Connecticut�s budget and union issues. In what appears to be impromptu interviews from people on the streets, the ads state high taxes and regulations are making Connecticut a state unfriendly to business and job growth. One of the ads claims, �the Governor needs to show the numbers to the unions and say �hey we can't pay for this.�� Democratic Governor Daniel P. Malloy recently warned that if state unions did not ratify labor concessions, massive layoffs will have to be made.

Minnesota

Sponsors: Alliance for a Better Minnesota

Summary: The nationwide state budget crisis has become particularly prevalent on the airwaves in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Alliance for a Better Minnesota issued an ad in support of Democratic Governor Mark Dayton�s proposed plan, which claims will �protect the middle class and 98 percent of Minnesotans will have no new tax increase.� The ad, shot in a Minnesotan suburb, shows families and senior citizens who claim that the Republican�s alternative bill will �balance the budget on the middle class� and cause �drastic cuts to education and healthcare.� As of now, Minnesota�s budget plans are still in a stalemate, and there will be a government shutdown in July should a compromise not be reached in time.�

Nevada

Sponsors: Concerned Dad Collective

Summary: In response to the budget cuts that threaten education, the Concerned Dad Collective has released two unorthodox ads targeted at Republican Governor Brian Sandoval. In one ad, a little girl says she �had a wicked fast ball that shattered the other teams. But when they cut the funding for physical education,� she continues, �I didn�t get the chance to play. I still get to throw heat for a living, but it�s just a little different now.� The girl then breaks into a luxury car, and the text across the screen reads, �cuts have consequences.� The other ad is in a similar vein; a girl who was an aspiring ballerina is then turned to pole dancing after her intended form of dance was cut.

New York

Sponsors: New Yorkers United for Marriage

Summary: A recent ad by New Yorkers United for Marriage features a lesbian couple speaking directly to the camera. The couple describes their 29 year relationship and commitment to each other.� The ad details how the couple values marriage and after so long together, �at this point we just want to be able to say, I do.��

Ohio

Sponsors: Federation for American Immigration Reform

Summary: Illegal immigration has been a recurrent theme in political advertising, but recently Federation for American Immigration Reform began an ad campaign pressing for legal immigration reform. In the ad, the group explains Americans are unemployed, many adults have had to move back in with their parents because of the economy and legal immigrants are taking jobs Americans should be doing. �

Washington

Sponsors: Portlanders for Schools

Summary: Portlanders for Schools ads are on the air supporting Ballot Measures 26-121 and 26-122, or the Portland School Bond. The bond would allow Portland public schools to get upgrades and repairs for school buildings to alleviate safety concerns about hazardous facilities.

Wisconsin

Sponsors: The Greater Wisconsin Committee

Summary: Republican state Senators who voted for the 2011 Budget Repair Bill earlier this year continue to find themselves the target of issue advocacy groups. Six GOP state Senators face a recall election in July while a decision will soon be made on possible recall elections for three Democratic state Senators. One of the GOP Senators facing a recall, State Senator Luther Olsen, is being denounced in a recent ad released by The Greater Wisconsin Committee. The Greater Wisconsin group is the same issue group who spent $1.3 million on the State Supreme Court race in Wisconsin supporting JoAnne Kloppenburg. As the recall election date approaches, expect to see significantly more advertising on the topic. In what would normally be a quiet summer for Wisconsin politics, voters are expected to see spending levels closer to those usually seen in late October of an election year as recall elections ramp up.

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Key Political Campaign Ads In Detail

Presidential

Sponsors: No American Debt; Priorities USA

Summary: With the first Republican Presidential debate having just taken place in New Hampshire, prominent Republicans are beginning to declare their intentions to run for president, but it is a Democratic group making headlines with a recent attack ad. Priorities USA Action released a new ad at the end of May criticizing several Republicans� stance on Rep. Paul Ryan�s (R-WI) budget proposal. The ad highlights former House Speaker Newt Gingrich�s denouncement of the Ryan plan and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley�s support of it. Meanwhile, the ad implies Mitt Romney has a tendency to flip flop, saying �he�s on the same page as Paul Ryan,� but then wondering, �which page is he on today?� Priorities USA Action is a Democratic group that is meddling in the Republican primary. This trend of the parties attacking candidates from opposing parties is sure to gain momentum as the primary season approaches. President Barack Obama and other Democrats will become the target of GOP attacks as the candidates struggle to gain an early lead.

George Pataki�s group, No American Debt, released an ad criticizing President Obama�s spending. Before the ad was released, Pataki announced he had no plans to run for President, but with the release of the spot many questioned whether or not this could be the jumping off point for his campaign. Since the spot aired, Pataki has come forward to state he is mulling over a potential bid for President in 2012, citing Mitch Daniels� decision to not run as a reason.

United States House of Representatives

Sponsors:� Jane Corwin for Congress; Jack Davis for Congress; Kathy Hochul for Congress; Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; National Republican Campaign Committee; House Majority PAC

Summary: The recent Special Election for U.S. House of Representatives in New York�s 26^th District drew nearly $5 million in broadcast spending on ads airing nearly 16,000 times. The upstate New York district traditionally leans conservative, but swung to the left this election, despite Republicans outspending Democrats by approximately $1.1 million. With a Democratic victory in a Republican leaning district, and a heavy emphasis on Medicare throughout the campaign, the race received significant national attention.

CMAG tracks and analyzes ads in a variety of ways, one of the most basic, yet most interesting, is to break advertising down by total and then further divide those into candidate spending, party spending, and issue group spending. In these election cogs, we get a sense of the many moving pieces behind the NY-26 election. The Republican candidate, Jane Corwin, outspent the Democratic candidate Kathy Hochul by nearly $600,000. Jack Davis, the Independent candidate, who is a Democrat turned �Tea Party� candidate, was also on the ballot. Davis spent approximately $846,900 on ads. In her ads, Corwin aimed at discrediting Davis and linking Hochul to the national debt. Meanwhile, Hochul�s strategy was to respond to these ads by tying both Corwin and Davis to Paul Ryan�s (R-Wis.) budget plan. Two contributing factors to the outcome of this election were the presence of a third party candidate - particularly one running under the �Tea Party� name, but with a political record running as a Democrat - and the topic of Medicare. In total, the district saw over $1.2 million in ad spending by issue groups and parties. Conservative groups accounted for approximately $862,000, while Democratic groups forked over $378,000 on TV expenditures.

While it would be a stretch to say Medicare was the sole issue that swayed this election, it was certainly a major factor in the outcome of this race. Of the nearly $5 million spent on the NY-26 election, over $1.4 million was spent on ads referencing Medicare. While Republicans outspent Democrats overall, Democrats far and away exceeded Republicans with Medicare ad spending. Kathy Hochul shelled out nearly $680,000 on ads addressing the topic. Jane Corwin�s spending paled in comparison, only spending $217,000, and Jack Davis was not far behind Corwin with $170,000. To aid Hochul, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee put forth $149,000 on Medicare ads, and the House Majority PAC, a Democratic leaning issue group, spent nearly $230,000 on Medicare ads. In her ads, Hochul pummeled Corwin for her support of Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan�s budget plan, particularly a proposal within the plan to turn Medicare into a voucher-like system for people under 55 years of age. With Corwin being accused of having a �Plan to end Medicare,� Hochul was able to secure the necessary votes in the district. As budgets continue to be a major issue on all levels, Democrats can be expected to turn to Medicare in future campaigns, stressing the detrimental effects of Medicare benefit cuts, cuts Republicans are proposing as a means to reducing the deficit.

United States Senate

Sponsors: John Sanchez for U.S. Senate

Summary: With over 500 days until the 2012 General Election, voters in New Mexico are already seeing the beginning of their campaign season. An ad released in the last week of May kicks off the 2012 U.S. Senate election season with a feel-good, biographical ad that introduces New Mexico�s Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez as a Republican candidate to vie for retiring Senator Jeff Bingaman�s (D) seat. In his ad, Sanchez describes how he worked his way out of poverty and knows �what it is to create jobs and put Americans back to work.� His ad focuses on creating jobs, cleaning up �fraud and abuse� and bringing his �principled, conservative values� to Washington. Sanchez states the �best days of our country are ahead of us� and the country needs �a new voice.�

Governor

Sponsors: Maloney for West Virginia; Committee to Elect Earl Ray Tomblin; Beshear Abramson 2011; Williams Farmer 2011; Friends of Phil Bryant; Dave Dennis for Governor; Ron Williams for Governor

Summary: �Currently, there are three states seeing 2011 gubernatorial election ads: West Virginia, Mississippi, and Kentucky. In West Virginia, energy and the environment are sure to be major issues in the October 4^th Special Election. Bill Maloney is touting his role in saving the lives of 33 trapped coal miners in one of his ads. Maloney also stresses the importance of job creation in many of his ads. Despite Maloney�s background in drilling, Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin gained the endorsement of West Virginia Coal Association. In one of Tomblin�s ads, his wife endorses him and stresses his work in mine safety, healthcare, and job creation. Both candidates stressed their roots leading up to the recent primary election in their ads.�

Meanwhile, in Kentucky, ads are already being released by incumbent Governor Steve Beshear (D) and Senate President David Williams (R). In recent ads, both candidates stressed their �tough leadership� skills. In Beshear�s ad, the Governor emphasized his family roots � his father and granddad were both preachers and his family ran a funeral home � before shifting to struggling families all across the state. Beshear stresses the importance of job creation, and notes his good intentions by stating, �I�ll take on anyone to do what�s best for Kentucky.� On the other side, David Williams believes �Kentucky is a drift,� and with his �proven conservative record� Kentucky will get back on track. Williams stresses his conservative ideology by noting, �The government has gotten too large, too intrusive, it costs too much and it is stifling job creation� in one ad.

In Mississippi, with Governor Haley Barbour term-limited, three Republican candidates have been airing ads in May and June. With the primary not until August 2^nd, the airwaves are sure to heat up even more this summer. Currently, Phil Bryant, Dave Dennis, and Ron Williams are all airing ads. Ron Williams is comparing professional politicians to magicians in one ad � you never know what is in their other hand - and notes the importance of bringing jobs to Mississippi in his other spots. Phil Bryant is touting his record of cutting taxes, creating jobs, and his stance on illegal immigration in his spots. Finally, Dave Dennis continues this candidate trend of job creation, while also denouncing career politicians in one spot. Dennis draws attention to his conservative ideology with budgetary issues and highlights the need for reduced government. Both Bryant and Dennis released new ads in May, and Williams unveiled his latest spots in June.

Attorney General

Summary: While the Kentucky gubernatorial race will have the highest profile this year, the Attorney General race will also have its fair share of the spotlight. The race pits the Republican Hopkins County Attorney P�Pool against Democrat incumbent Jack Conway. While traditionally, incumbents hold an advantage, Republicans will do everything in their power to unseat Conway. Conway lost the 2010 U.S. Senate race against Rand Paul. Coming out of a recent defeat, Republicans will try to take advantage of Conway�s more vulnerable position.

This year, Kentucky�s highest profile election is the gubernatorial race between Senate President David Williams and Democrat incumbent Steve Beshear. In hopes of gaining at least one of these seats, it can be expected Republicans will heavily invest in the Attorney General race. While the incumbent Democrats will be striving to maintain their positions in both races, Republicans will be eager to unseat them. Currently no ads have aired in this race, but this will definitely be one to watch.

Key Litigation Ads in Detail

Litigation

Sponsors: Morgan & Morgan; The Law Offices of Pulaski and Middleman

Summary: Following an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate in 2010 as a Republican turned Independent, former Florida Governor Charlie Crist seems to have gone from a promising politician to the face of a personal injury law firm. He joined the Florida law firm of Morgan & Morgan in 2011 and quickly became the public voice of the company on the airwaves. Thus far, the firm has released four ads featuring Crist; the ads have aired nearly 1,000 times, at a cost of approximately $200,000. In the series of ads, Crist details his commitment to public service, as well as the firm�s commitment to fighting for the people. Below is a pie chart breaking down the Morgan & Morgan ads featuring Charlie Crist by market and ad spending per market.�

Did you know CMAG tracks thousands of ads aired by law firms each month? From Social Security Disability to Class Action Rx Tort cases, CMAG can tell you who is airing ads, how many times, in which markets, and at what cost.

In the month of May, law firms across the country spent nearly $6.05 million airing ads related to prescription drug lawsuits; these ads aired over 19,000 times. Here is a look at The Law Offices of Pulaski and Middleman�s May spending. In May, the firm spent nearly $1.7 million on ads related to Depakote, Paxil, Topamax, and Zoloft.

CMAG�s Trivia and a Look Back

Summary: With the focus already shifting to the 2012 Presidential election, CMAG boasts the most extensive archives of ads for each Republican hopeful. Here are the answers to the CMAG Trivia found in the last issue of The Grid!

Which candidate was �making it easier to get a car tag� in a campaign ad he released.

Hint: This was from a gubernatorial race.

Answer: Huckabee in his campaign for Governor in 1998

In whose ad did this endorsement take place? �There has never been a government more focused on bringing economic development to the African American community than _____.�

Answer: Huckabee in his campaign for Governor in 2002

In the wake of 9/11 which Republican said, �When foreigners apply for a driver�s license, we�re going to print their visa expiration date right on it. So at any traffic stop our police will know if they�re breaking immigration laws,�

in one of his campaign ads?

Answer: Pawlenty in his campaign for Governor in 2002

Which candidate is working hard to protect Social Security? Based on one campaign ad, we know, �He sponsored legislation to prevent the government from ever raiding the Social Security surplus.� Then he �made it so you can receive full benefits even if you still work.� And finally, �your [Social Security] benefits are guaranteed to never be reduced.� Hint: This ad was sponsored by the RNC

Answer: Santorum in his campaign for U.S. Senate in 2000

In whose campaign ad, during their bid for re-election, was it explained, �The key is not big government. It�s a program drug companies have for low income seniors. What we�re doing is making people aware of it, and helping them fill out the forms.�

Answer: Ron Paul in his campaign for Congress in 2000

Which candidate said, �I�m sponsoring three bills right now. A $3,000 tax credit to help pay for education; public, private, in home, whatever. A special tax break for teachers that gives every teacher in America a pay raise of one thousand dollars. And, a $20,000 tax deduction for college education.� in a campaign ad?

Answer: Ron Paul in his campaign for Congress in 2000

This man stated in one ad, �I think a computer in every classroom is a good idea, but I think discipline in every classroom is a better one.�

Which candidate is he?

Answer: Barbour in his campaign for Governor in 2003

Citizens for Global Solutions released an ad criticizing this candidate for his stance on the United Nations. The group�s ad features a clip of this candidate saying both, �There is no such thing as the United Nations� and �The Secretary�s building in New York has thirty-eight stories. If you lost ten stories today it wouldn�t make a bit of difference. Which 2012 Presidential hopeful said these things?

Answer: Bolton was featured in this ad from 2005. The clip is from when Bolton was

nominated by President Bush to serve as America�s United Nation�s Ambassador

Don�t want to wait until the next issue of The Grid for more trivia and ad facts? Follow us on Twitter to find out faster!

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Ads in this issue of The Grid first aired during 05/1/2011 - 6/12/2011.

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