Dems signal backing for Berkley

Two days after being hit with a House ethics investigation, Rep. Shelley Berkley today got a show of commitment for her U.S. Senate campaign.

Democratic officials in Washington announced they've reserved $2.3 million in television advertising time in Nevada this fall to run commercials for Berkley against Republican Sen. Dean Heller.

It's the first chunk of Nevada ad time reserved by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and a sign of support for the candidate, who could use some good news after the House Ethics Committee initiated an investigation of her advocacy on kidney health issues that happened to track the business interests of her doctor husband.

"Nevada is a blue-leaning state where the President is likely to do well and where Republicans like Dean Heller have a very hard time appealing to the growing number of Hispanic voters," DSCC executive director Guy Cecil said in the announcement. "Shelley Berkley is a proven fighter for Nevadans and we are ready to win this race.”

The parties and special interest groups typically reserve time in advance to guarantee access to the airwaves for crucial periods and to lock in rates that only get more expensive closer to Election Day.

The National Republican Senatorial Party in April reserved $3 million in television time for Heller.