Big spending on ads put Bush, Kerry even

President Bush's re-election campaign, complicated by the turn of events in Iraq and new questions about his reaction to the terrorist threat, is losing its edge in an area few would have predicted - money.

While the Bush campaign still has plenty of cash on hand - it has raised about $180-million - more than $40-million was sunk into a massive television ad buy intended to turn the electoral tide in 18 tossup states. That expenditure, coupled with the recent fundraising success of his Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry, means the substantial monetary advantage the president once held has all but vanished.

"We have been overwhelmed by the grass roots and financial support for John Kerry over the past six weeks," said Mary Beth Cahill, Kerry's campaign manager.

Bush entered the spring with a distinct financial edge. About half of the money collected, $90-million, was targeted for a television ad campaign that, GOP operatives acknowledge, was intended to define Kerry before the Democrat had an opportunity to introduce himself to voters and deal an early knockout blow.

Ralph Nader wants renegade filmmaker Michael Moore to end his dalliance with the Democratic Party and return to his antiestablishment roots.

The independent presidential candidate sent an open letter to Moore on Friday pleading with him to support Nader's candidacy, as Moore did in 2000.

"Okay, Michael, you've had your realpolitik fling with ex-Gen. Wesley Clark," Nader writes. "Your endorsed presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries has withdrawn. It is time for you to come home, to join your buddies and resume your only genuine role, which is that of defiance and resistance."

Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said Moore has seen the letter but has not responded. Zeese said the letter is Nader "just having a little fun" and should not be viewed as a sign the campaign is having trouble garnering support.

Republicans are using flip-flop sandals to heckle John Kerry at campaign stops this summer by slapping the rubber thong-shoes together over their heads, symbolizing Kerry "flip-flops." But Kerry's response team fired back, and Kerry said he is sending his people to George Bush rallies to "bang their unemployment checks together."

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