Democratic consultants who are tracking television buys put the estimate even higher, at just under $13 million so far.

"Whenever his numbers are down, he does something like this," said one Democratic consultant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

To begin with, this is very bad news for Democratic political consultants.

He has talked to Democratic consultants; party fund-raisers have offered to work for him.

Some union leaders and Democratic consultants say this split could set back the party's electoral chances.

"Gore needed a win to keep us all on board," a Democratic consultant said, "and he didn't get it."

"It was a walk on the wild side," said one Democratic consultant, "that left him dead in the water."

He also has been interviewed as a Democratic consultant and trade expert in a number of print articles.

"It doesn't pass the smell test," said one Democratic consultant.

"This is the one big easy 'gimme' for them," the Democratic consultant said.