• USA Today , Wednesday, October 4, 2006 12 PM

Democratic candidates will have to overcome the high cost of TV advertising to win pivotal races in a bid to take over Congress, as they try to pick up 11 House and Senate seats held by Republicans in expensive media markets. At the same time, Republicans are attempting only four takeovers in top markets. That contrast underscores the difficulty of raising enough money to make it happen. In the Philadelphia area--where Democrats are going after House seats held by Republicans Jim Gerlach, Curt Weldon and Michael Fitzpatrick--a typical 30-second ad during a local newscast on a network affiliate costs about $2,100. In Waco, Texas, where Republican Van Taylor is trying to oust Democratic Rep. Chet Edwards, the same ad runs about $250. "It's like comparing Mercedeses to Hyundais," says Evan Tracey, founder of the Campaign Media Analysis Group.

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