GOP disses Dem ads in Florida

Democrat Barack Obama has pulled his television ads in Florida, his campaign says, out of deference to Tropical Storm Fay.

The GOP's reponse: Ha!

Republican John McCain's campaign fired off a chart that shows even though Obama is spending far and away more money on advertising in several battleground states, including Florida, his poll numbers still aren't, well, far and away.

"Does this represent an overall shift in strategy; do they have to find a new path to 270 electoral votes?'' the campaign asks. "Does this represent a sign of things to come in other states? Is the Obama campaign planning to close down offices in states they have initially targeted?'

The Obama campaign says no and that the Florida ads will be back "soon."

As for the poll numbers, Obama was behind McCain in virtually every statewide survey until mid-June, shortly after he claimed the nomination. Since then, he's pulled slightly ahead in some polls and dropped a few points behind in others.

Obama campaign advisor Freddy Balsera said the campaign is making up for all the money and time McCain spent in Florida during the primary season. He said, "To a certain degree, we're still catching up.''