The battle for Ohio in last year's presidential campaign came with a huge price tag: $100 million for television advertising alone.

Kerry and his Democratic allies spent $61 million on television ads compared with $39 million by President Bush and Republican groups. Together, the two campaigns spent as much on television ads as Bush spent nationwide to win the 2000 Republican nomination.

Both sides also spent an estimated $50 million for mailings, door-to-door contacts and phone calls.

(2-13-05 A.P.)