Jack Kingston throws down $1.2 million for crunch time TV

WASHINGTON -- Jack Kingston showed he can raise money. Now he's showing how he will spend it, putting out a press release this afternoon advertising a $1.289 million television ad buy for the run-up to the May 20 primary.

The Senate-seeking Congressman from Savannah is not going on the air right away, but is locking down rates well in advance -- before other campaigns and Super PACs drive up the prices. From the release:

Kingston announced earlier this month that he had raised $880,000 for the fourth quarter. He ended the year with $3.4 million cash on hand and has raised $4.2 million for the race.

The Kingston campaign said today's purchase did not preclude future buys.

"Today's buy is about using our campaign resource most effectively," said Crawford.  "We will make other strategic decisions on resources in the future."

Kingston and businessman David Perdue, who is relying in part on his personal wealth, have the most money in the Georgia Republican Senate primary. Among the top tier candidates, they also have the biggest name ID challenges in metro Atlanta, the most expensive television market.

Kingston's ad buy will be for broadcast and cable spots statewide in April and May.