Republicans Make Major TV Buy In Boston For Congressional Races

Democratic Rep. John Tierney could become the target of one of Washington Republicans' biggest ad buys this fall. The National Republican Congressional Committee is buying $2.3 million in air time on Boston stations. It's Republicans' second-biggest ad buy for congressional races, after the Sacramento market.

Much of the money could go to giving Republican congressional candidate Richard Tisei a big boost this fall. NRCC spokesman Nat Sillin said Tierney, Tisei's opponent in the North Shore district, is vulnerable.

"This is without a doubt a significant pickup opportunity," Sillin said, "and this TV reservation reflects our commitment to holding him accountable this election."

Under campaign finance laws, Sillin — and most NRCC staff — won't know where the money is spent until the ads actually appear on TV. The campaign finance laws require staff that coordinate activities with campaigns to remain ignorant of the decisions of the NRCC's Independent Expenditure staff.

Tisei is viewed by Washington Republicans as their best chance to take a Massachusetts congressional seat. He is the only Massachusetts congressional challenger so far to have achieved the NRCC's "Young Guns" status, the ranking given to candidates with the best odds of taking a Congressional seat.

Part of the money being spent in the Boston market is likely to go to defend New Hampshire's two Republican congressmen, Charlie Bass and Frank Guinta. Both are expected to have close races for re-election.