Things aren’t looking good for Democrat Ted Strickland.
Yesterday, Democratic groups announced they are delaying TV ads in the Ohio U.S. Senate race – which made many question if they have lost faith in Strickland.
Now, the Koch brothers are following suit – their super PAC, Freedom Partners, is pulling $2.1 million worth of TV ad reservations that would have run in late September.
The Koch brothers have already spent over $10 million on TV, radio and digital advertising in Ohio, but are planning to shift their funds into tighter senate races. However, they still have eight field offices and 84 paid field staff on the ground for Portman.
“Rob Portman has run one of the strongest campaigns of the cycle, he maintains a significant lead in virtually every poll, and the dynamics of the race have changed,” Freedom Partners spokesman James Davis told the Hill. “We will remain on air through Sept. 14 with our current ads, but given Portman’s strong position in the race, we are going to drop the remaining reservation and reserve flexibility over future spending.”
One Nation PAC also canceled airtime in Ohio as well.
Portman has maintained a strong lead for the past few months, according to RealClearPolitics, which gives Republicans hope in order to hold their majority in the Senate.