Follow the Money: Tracking TV Spending on the Kavanaugh Nomination
See which groups are buying airtime in the fight over Trump’s SCOTUS pick — and even view the ads.
* These ads were launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
Kantar Media/CMAG estimates last updated on October 8, 2018
Television Advertisements
June 29, 2018 – Another Great Justice
This ad says that “President Trump has proven that he wants the best of the best on the Supreme Court” and warns that “like they did before, extremists will lie and attack the nominee.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $139,400
* This ad was launched before the nominatiwhon of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 6, 2018 – If Trump Has His Way Murkowski
This ad says “if Donald Trump has his way, the next Supreme Court will turn the court against a woman’s constitutional right to safe, legal abortion."
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $18,900
* This ad was launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 6, 2018 – If Trump Has His Way Collins
This ad says “if Donald Trump has his way, the next Supreme Court will turn the court against a woman’s constitutional right to safe, legal abortion."
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $33,320
* This ad was launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 7, 2018 – Strong and Independent Murkowski
This ad says that when “politicians tried to undermine the liberty of women, she [Sen. Murkowski] stood up and said no.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $39,420
* This ad was launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 7, 2018 – Independent Voice Collins
This ad says “when politicians tried to undermine the liberty of women, she [Sen. Collins] stood up and said no,” and argues that Trump’s “nominee must publicly declare a position on Roe.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union of Maine
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $117,880
* This ad was launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 9, 2018 – The Deciding Vote 60
This ad argues “your most fundamental right to self-defense could be extinguished,” and argues that “we are the last place on earth that still believes in the fundamental, self-given right to self defense, and we don’t care if we’re the last ones in the arena.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $112,980
* This ad was launched before the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh.
July 11, 2018 – What We Know Murkowski
This ad argues “Trump says he’d only pick justices who would reverse Roe v. Wade,” and who would “overturn the Affordable Care Act.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $35,000
July 11, 2018 – What We Know Collins
This ad argues “Trump says he’d only pick justices who would reverse Roe v. Wade,” and who would “overturn the Affordable Care Act.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $72,700
July 13, 2018 – Best of the Best
This ad says Kavanaugh’s “life has been defined by hard work and excellence,” and characterizes Kavanaugh as “strong and independent, he applies the constitution just as it was written.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $332,470
July 13, 2018 – Thanks to Senator Joe Manchin
This ad warns that “Kavanaugh refused to uphold key patient protections in the past, and if he joins the court, he could vote to end these protections for good.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $155,830
July 13, 2018 – Thanks to Senator Heitkamp
This ad warns that “Kavanaugh refused to uphold key patient protections in the past, and if he joins the court, he could vote to end these protections for good.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $107,430
July 13, 2018 – Thanks to Senator Donnelly
This ad warns that “Kavanaugh refused to uphold key patient protections in the past, and if he joins the court, he could vote to end these protections for good.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $90,800
July 16, 2018 – Grand Slam
This ad says Kavanaugh “has earned respect from both sides of the aisle.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $1,066,060
July 15, 2018 – What We Know
This ad says “Trump said he would only pick judges who would reverse Roe v. Wade,” and that “Trump made it clear his nominee would vote to overturn the Affordable Care Act.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $79,480
July 15, 2018 – Truths
This ad argues Brett Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court “threatens to continue selling out America to powerful special interests,” noting “We hold these truths to be self-evident, and we will hold our Senators accountable.”
Sponsor: End Citizens United
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $73,420
July 23 – IN Another Great Nominee
This ad asks if Sen. Donnelly is “more interested in siding with Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren than Hoosiers?” and asks, “Has he forgotten who he represents?”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $289,430
July 23 – ND Another Great Nominee
This ad argues, “Heidi Heitkamp has a decision to make: does she support Kavanaugh and prove she’s on the side of the President and you, or does she side with the radical liberals?”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $338,280
July 23 – WV Another Great Nominee
This ad asks viewers to “Tell Joe Manchin you won’t be fooled by his tricks – and you won’t forget how he votes on Kavanaugh.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $263,000
July 24, 2018 – Another Great Judge Jones
This ad asks if Sen. Doug Jones will “side with the people of Alabama, and support Kavanaugh, or will he join radical liberal Senators?” and asks viewers to “Tell Doug Jones his vote on Kavanaugh is something you’ll never forget.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $136,800
August 2, 2018 – Kathryn Cherry
In this ad, a former Kavanaugh clerk says “he also treated me as an equal and never made me feel like a minority.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $47,710
August 6, 2018 – Worried Murkowski
This ad says Trump “is pushing for a new Supreme Court Justice who could vote with him and overturn these [healthcare] protections.”
Sponsor: Protect Our Care
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $16,090
In this ad, a former Kavanaugh clerk says she hopes “the Senate confirms him quickly, because he will be an excellent Supreme Court Justice.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $94,650
In this ad, a former Kavanaugh student says Kavanaugh “applies the law faithfully.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $225,360
August 7, 2018 – Worried Collins
This ad says Trump “is pushing for a new Supreme Court Justice who could vote with him and overturn these [healthcare] protections.”
Sponsor: Protect Our Care
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $14,570
August 7, 2018 – WV Four Liberals
This ad says “four liberals on the Supreme Court would take away your right to self-defense… President Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh to break this tie.”
Sponsor: NRA Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $296,870
August 7, 2018 – Four Liberals Murkowski
This asks viewers to “tell Senator Murkowski, defend our right to self-defense.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $88,310
August 7, 2018 – ND Four Liberals
This ad says “four liberals on the Supreme Court would take away your right to self-defense… President Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh to break this tie.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $206,870
August 7, 2018 – IN Four Liberals
This ad says “four liberals on the Supreme Court would take away your right to self-defense… President Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh to break this tie.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $198,590
August 8, 2018 – Four Liberals
This ad says “four liberals on the Supreme Court would take away your right to self-defense… President Trump chose Brett Kavanaugh to break this tie.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $29,960
August 8, 2018 – Montreal Collins
In this ad, a woman recounts, “I went to my doctor, and he said, you need to go to Montreal for an abortion,” and asks Sen. Collins to “protect rights for women.”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $132,190
August 8, 2018 – ND Confirm Kavanaugh
In this ad, President Trump says “there is no one in America more qualified for this position, and no one more deserving.”
Sponsor: America First Policies, Inc.
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $355,940
August 8, 2018 – IN Confirm Kavanaugh
This ad asks viewers to “Tell Senator Donnelly this is no time for obstructionist politics.”
Sponsor: America First Policies, Inc.
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $402,350
August 8, 2018 – WV Confirm Kavanaugh
This ad asks viewers to “Tell Joe Manchin enough – he works for us, not Chuck Schumer.”
Sponsor: America First Policies, Inc.
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $261,170
August 13, 2018 – Pregnant When I Was a Teenager
This ad features a woman who says “I am the voice of a lot of women of my generation who died from an illegal abortion.”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $52,150
August 14, 2018 – Privacy
This ad argues “a woman’s right to have her own healthcare decisions – that’s freedom, that’s what America is.”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $41,630
August 16, 2018 – Right Idea Collins
This ad asks viewers to “encourage her [Sen. Collins] to continue her thoughtful and balanced approach to the confirmation process.”
Sponsor: One Nation
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $220,020
August 16, 2018 – ND Washington Lobbyist
This ad features conservatives criticizing Kavanaugh as “the establishment pick,” and argued Kavanaugh has “ruled for special interests” and “lives the high life in Washington.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $39,900
August 16, 2018 – IN Washington Lobbyist
This ad features conservatives criticizing Kavanaugh as “the establishment pick,” and argued Kavanaugh has “ruled for special interests” and “lives the high life in Washington.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG):t $49,120
August 16, 2018 – WV Washington Lobbyist
This ad features conservatives criticizing Kavanaugh as “the establishment pick,” and argued Kavanaugh has “ruled for special interests” and “lives the high life in Washington.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $56,720
August 16, 2018 – Louisa Garry
In this ad, Louisa Garry says Kavanaugh is “of the highest integrity as a person” and “would be a great Supreme Court Justice.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $345,350
August 17, 2018 – Playing Games Collins
This ad argues “Susan Collins is playing political games with Maine women.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $187,680
August 18, 2018 – Take Away
This ad argues “your right to self-defense depends on this vote” and asks viewers to “tell Senator Donnelly, defend our right to self-defense – confirm Judge Kavanaugh.”
Sponsor: National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $1,530
August 22, 2018 – Says She Supports Murkowski
This ad says Kavanaugh “called a judge who fought against the Roe decisions his hero” and ask viewers to “Tell Lisa Murkowski women’s lives are on the line.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $97,030
August 29, 2018 – Impeccable Qualifications
This ad says “the Supreme Court itself has relied on Kavanaugh’s judicial opinions 13 times.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $32,650
August 30, 2018 – Creed Murkowski
This ad says “part of the creed of Alaska is that we have the right to privacy.”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $61,540
September 2, 2018 – Breaking News Collins
This ad simulates news broadcasts, saying “by a 5–4 margin, the Supreme Court…sided with the Trump Administration to overturn the Affordable Care Act” and that “Brett Kavanaugh cast the deciding vote.”
Sponsor: Protect Our Care
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $12,770
September 3, 2018 – Michelle Collins 60
In this ad, a Maine citizen says “I am worried that all of our daughters will not have a choice.”
Sponsor: NARAL Pro-Choice America
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $503,510
September 4, 2018 – Severe Threat Murkowski
This ad says “a vote for Kavanaugh is a vote to end Roe v. Wade, criminalize abortion, and punish women.”
Sponsor: Vote Vets Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $24,810
September 4, 2018 – Severe Threat Collins
This ad says “a vote for Kavanaugh is a vote to end Roe v. Wade, criminalize abortion, and punish women.”
Sponsor: Vote Vets Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $80,850
September 4, 2018 – Jeff Landry
This ad says “the Senate needs to put gridlock aside and confirm Brett Kavanaugh.”
Sponsor: 45Committee
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $42,030
September 4, 2018 – Logan Collins
This ad says “I fought for your freedom, Senator Collins. Now it’s your turn to fight for mine.”
Sponsor: Vote Vets Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $79,670
September 5, 2018 – The More They Like Him
This ad says “members of Maine’s legislature voiced support for Kavanaugh.”
Sponsor: State Government Leadership Foundation
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $60,860
September 6, 2018 - MT Two Faces
This ad says “Jon Tester has two faces. In Montana, he says he supports gun rights, but in Washington D.C., his votes tell a different story.”
Sponsor: NRA Institute for Legislative Action
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $295,820
September 6, 2018 – What’s the Truth
This ad says, “no wonder the Washington politicos don’t like Kavanaugh – he’s not one of them.”
Sponsor: One Nation
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $201,070
September 6, 2018 – Hearing Testimony
This ad features testimony from the Kavanaugh hearings, and asks viewers to “Tell your Senator, confirm Kavanaugh.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $79,360
September 8, 2018 – Hearing Testimony
This ad says “the more people get to know Brett Kavanaugh, the more they like him.”
Sponsor: State Government Leadership Foundation
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $299,78–
September 9, 2018 – Protect Access
This ad says “protect access to safe and legal abortion – reject Brett Kavanaugh,”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $50,090
September 12, 2018 – Simple Test Collins
This ad says “Kavanaugh fails Collins’ own test – if she votes for him now, she won’t just be breaking her word, she’ll be responsible for gutting Roe.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $6,060
September 13, 2018 – What They Had to Say Collins
In this ad, one woman says, “if she [Sen. Collins] really believes in women’s rights… then she needs to stand up.”
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $70,150
September 22, 2018 – Attack Collins
This ad features the words of “Christine Blasey Ford, describing the attack she suffered when she was just 15 years old,” and asks, “will Susan Collins listen to her now?”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $68,840
September 23, 2018– Attack Gardner
This ad features the words of “Christine Blasey Ford, describing the attack she suffered when she was just 15 years old,” and asks, “will Cory Gardner listen to her now?”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $1,650
September 22, 2018 – Attack Murkowski
This ad features the words of “Christine Blasey Ford, describing the attack she suffered when she was just 15 years old,” and asks, “will Lisa Murkowski listen to her now?”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $18,110
September 23, 2018 – NV Attack
This ad features the words of “Christine Blasey Ford, describing the attack she suffered when she was just 15 years old,” and asks, “will Dean Heller listen to her now?”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $10,600
September 22, 2018 – Smear Campaign
This ad argues “Feinstein didn’t find the allegations against Kavanaugh credible enough to tell the FBI or even the Senate,” and says “it doesn’t add up.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $127,740
September 25, 2018 – Unproven Allegations
This ad says “Kavanaugh says he’s 'never done anything like what the accuser describes – to anyone.'”
Sponsor: State Government Leadership Foundation
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $155,920
This ad says “with no valid reason to block Kavanaugh, Democrats started a smear campaign,” and calls the allegations “disgusting,” “unproven,” and “discredited.”
Sponsor: The Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $35,050
September 26, 2018 – It Never Happened
This ad says “the women who know him [Kavanaugh] best dispute” the allegations against him, and concludes “it never happened.”
Sponsor: The Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $49,240
September 27, 2018 – Smearing His Name
This ad says “Dianne Feinstein employed a Chinese spy for decades,” and asks, “whose values belong on the Supreme Court?”
Sponsor: Citizens United
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $29,080
September 27, 2018—Enough Is Enough
This ad says “the accuser can’t recall key details, and no one can substantiate the claim.”
Sponsor: Great America PAC
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $3,680
September 28, 2018 – Both Sides Agree
This ad says “both sides agree Judge Brett Kavanaugh has an exemplary record.”
Sponsor: America First Policies
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $48,710
September 29, 2018 – Standing Up
This ad features women’s testimony, with the hashtag #IStandWithBrett.
Sponsor: 45 Committee
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $76,650
October 1, 2018 – Praise
This ad says “praise for Kavanaugh’s record is widespread,” and that “the accusers can’t recall key details, and no one can substantiate the claims. It’s time to move on.”
Sponsor: Great America Alliance
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $1,970
October 1, 2018 – WV We’ve Seen This Before
This ad says “we’ve seen this before, denials from powerful men,” and argues, “as we choose a lifetime seat on our highest court, we cannot have any doubt.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union Incorporated
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $144,890
October 1, 2018 – We’ve Seen This Before Murkowski Sullivan
This ad says “we’ve seen this before, denials from powerful men,” and argues, “as we choose a lifetime seat on our highest court, we cannot have any doubt.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union Incorporated
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $22,820
This ad says “the liberal mob and their media allies tried to ruin a good man with their smears,” and asks viewers to “tell Senator Manchin you’ll never forget how he votes.”
Sponsor: The Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $151,970
October 2, 2018 – ND Never Forget
This ad says “the liberal mob and their media allies tried to ruin a good man with their smears,” and asks viewers to “tell Senator Heitkamp you’ll never forget how she votes.”
Sponsor: The Judicial Crisis Network
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $134,960
October 2, 2018 – Power
This ad alleges “Democrats don’t care about protecting women – and they never have.”
Sponsor: Great America PAC
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $4,740
October 2, 2018 – NE Seen This Before
This ad says “we’ve seen this before, denials from powerful men,” and argues, “as we choose a lifetime seat on our highest court, we cannot have any doubt.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union Incorporated
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $127,780
October 1, 2018 – We’ve Seen This Before Gardner
This ad says “we’ve seen this before, denials from powerful men,” and argues, “as we choose a lifetime seat on our highest court, integrity matters, and we cannot have any doubt.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union Incorporated
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $225,890
October 2, 2018 – Seen This Before Gardner
This ad says “we’ve seen this before, denials from powerful men,” and argues, “as we choose a lifetime seat on our highest court, integrity matters, and we cannot have any doubt.”
Sponsor: American Civil Liberties Union Incorporated
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $7,770
October 5, 2018 – Stop Kavanaugh SP 15
This ad says in Spanish, “a judge should be independent,” and asks viewers to “Call your senator.”
Sponsor: Human Rights Watch
Estimated Spending (Kantar Media/CMAG): $190
Digital Advertisements
This ad says that “President Trump has proven that he wants the best of the best on the Supreme Court” and warns that “like they did before, extremists will lie and attack the nominee.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 10
July 7, 2018 – Trump’s Anti-Choice Judges
This ad says “Trump’s anti-choice judges threaten womens’ freedoms.”
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 181
July 11, 2018 – Counting On You Murkowski
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 5
July 13, 2018 – Tell Senator Cornyn to Vote No
Sponsor: NARAL Pro-Choice America
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 1
July 13, 2018 – Kavanaugh Will End Roe v. Wade
This ad says Kavanaugh will “criminalize abortion,” and asks viewers to “Tell Senator Heller to VOTE NO.”
Sponsor: NARAL Pro-Choice America
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 1
July 15, 2018 – Best of the Best 30
This ad says Kavanaugh’s “life has been defined by hard work and excellence,” and characterizes Kavanaugh as “strong and independent, he applies the constitution just as it was written.”
Sponsor: Judicial Crisis Network
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 1
July 21, 2018 – Need Your Leadership Collins
Sponsor: Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 1
July 23 – IN Protect Our Healthcare
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 35
July 23 – WV Protect Our Healthcare
Sponsor: Demand Justice Initiative
Website Count (Kantar Media/CMAG): 5
Methodology
Data on ad airings and spending on ads are calculated and prepared by Kantar Media/CMAG, which captures satellite data in the nation’s largest media markets. CMAG’s estimates do not reflect ad agency commissions or the costs of producing advertisements, nor do they reflect the cost of ad buys on local cable channels. Cost estimates are revised by Kantar Media/CMAG when it receives updated data, resulting in some fluctuations in the reported ad spending.