An important distinction: all of the ads that the RGA has launched were 15-second spots, while Corzine's have been 30-seconds and 60-seconds long. So while they may match up in numbers, Corzine has still purchased more time on the airwaves. Still, the Corzine campaign points to the data to counter the Christie camp's assertion that the governor has bought his way back into the race.

"The Christie campaign's contention that this race is tight because of advertising overlooks the fact that the RGA has been funneling millions of dollars into New Jersey since before the primary to distort the Governor's record," said Corzine campaign spokesperson Lis Smith. "The more New Jersey voters learn about Chris Christie, the more they see that he is extremely wrong when it comes to what matters for the state."

RGA spokesman Mike Schrimpf said that the organization has made no secret of its attempt to support Christie this summer, given the restraints he faces through the public financing system. "We continue to be engaged because we think he can win," Schrimpf said.

He also disputed the notion of a Corzine surge, noting that any movement has been for independent candidate Chris Daggett. But on Election Day, ultimately he thinks voters will make a choice between the major party candidates.

The Democratic Governors Association is unable to advertise in the state because of coordination laws that restrict advertising on behalf of one of its members.

RCP also asked Nielsen for data on spending by Daggett. Though he made a bit of a splash with this clever ad, it has aired only 81 times.