DSCC launching big ad buy in Iowa

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is launching a major ad buy in Iowa, the latest sign of Democratic worries about holding retiring Sen. Tom Harkin’s (D-Iowa) seat.

{mosads}The ad hits Iowa state Sen. Joni Ernst (R) on Social Security.

“What does Joni Ernst stand for? She’s proposed privatizing Social Security, gambling our savings in the stock market. Experts say that could be a windfall for Wall Street but a wipeout for us,” the ad’s narrator says. “Joni Ernst: Her ideas are just too extreme for Iowa.”

The Hill first reported earlier Monday evening that the DSCC has bought more than a half-million dollars’ worth of television time in the state.

Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) had been viewed as a front-runner early in the race, but has had some major stumbles, and polls show him neck-and-neck with Ernst.

The DSCC’s $515,000 statewide broadcast buy, which is scheduled to last two weeks, is the latest indication that the committee is concerned about the seat.

The DSCC has not spent much on television this election cycle, though they’ve helped fund ads in Montana and Arkansas. The Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC and a handful of GOP outside groups have already been on air in Iowa.

This post was updated at 9:40 p.m.