Dems put down big bucks against Canseco
August 2, 2012
WASHINGTON — A super political action committee created to help Democrats win control of the U.S. House bought $415,000 in broadcast time this fall with San Antonio television stations, officials said Thursday.
The San Antonio media buy by the House Majority PAC is the first sign of the millions that the political parties and interest groups are expected to spend in the 23rd Congressional District. The election is Nov. 6.
House Majority PAC and the Service Employees International Union have announced $22.5 million in air time buys nationally to help Democrats win 25 House seats needed to take back the majority the party lost in 2010.
Alixandria Lapp, executive director, said House Majority PAC would continue to “expand its fall paid media campaign to educate voters nationwide about House Republicans‘ and GOP candidates’ extreme agenda and misguided priorities.”
Democrats have targeted Rep. Francisco “Quico” Canseco, R-San Antonio, a freshman lawmaker elected with tea party support but who received less than 50 percent of the vote in 2010.
Canseco has bankrolled $1 million in cash, according to Federal Election Commission reports, and is expected to receive additional help through the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Conservative groups also are expected to make expenditures in the race.
State Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, a 20-year state House veteran, is challenging Canseco in the race.
In addition to support from labor unions, the League of Conservation Voters has announced it will make independent expenditures backing Gallego in the fall.
The league spent nearly $300,00 in the Democratic primary attacking Gallego’s chief rival in the primary, former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, D-San Antonio.
“We look forward to working with Pete Gallego in the months ahead,” said Navin Nayak, league senior vice president for campaigns.
The House Majority PAC is spending $22.5 million in 38 media markets across the country.
Although the 23rd Congressional District, which stretches west to El Paso, includes several media markets, the House Majority PAC reserved air time in only the San Antonio market, said Andy Stone, a spokesman.