Supreme Court lets party committees buy TV ads at the cheap candidate rate, 8-1

In the 60 days before a general election, federal law makes broadcasters sell candidates airtime at the lowest rate they charge any advertiser — the "lowest unit charge." Party committees had been shut out of it. The unsigned order paused a 4th Circuit ruling that had barred them from the discounted rate, landing on Sept. 4 — exactly 60 days before the Nov. 3 election, when that window takes effect. The emergency application came from the NRCC and NRSC. The 8-1 majority did not reach the merits: it held the 4th Circuit likely lacked jurisdiction because the Democratic candidates' petition was still pending at the FCC. Jackson, alone, thought that bar did not apply.

Cash on hand and ad reservations:

• RNC has over $130 million cash on hand.
• DNC has $9.5 million cash and roughly $18 million in debt.
• NRCC has reserved $10.8 million in TV ads this month across 23 House races.