Bar chart showing current and future political ad spending in the Chicago metro area from Aug. 1 to Nov. 5, as of Sept. 20. Democrats have spent about $707k on ads for presidential, congressional and down-ballot races in the metro area; $255.2k from outside groups and $451.6k from campaigns themselves. Republicans have spent a total of $326k, $103.4k from outside groups and $222.4k from campaigns.