Inside the "To Catch a Predator" election's ad wars

Republicans and Democrats are flooding the midterm airwaves with explosive TV ads accusing their opponents of protecting pedophiles and child sexual abusers.Why it matters: The advertising blitz underscores the lingering power of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which has fueled distrust of powerful figures and pushed allegations of child sexual abuse to the forefront of national politics.The controversy over the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files — including allegations that officials sought to protect powerful figures by not releasing all of the files — has kept the issue in the headlines.The midterm ads that have followed have been bipartisan and are playing out in state and federal races.By the numbers: Since Sept. 1, candidates and outside groups have aired at least $70 million in TV ads mentioning pedophilia, Epstein and allegations related to child sexual abuse, according to AdImpact.Of the 118 ads identified, 63 were sponsored by Democrats, 52 by Republicans and three by independents.Driving the news: The issue has become a flashpoint in the competitive Senate race in Kansas, where Democrats unveiled three ads Tuesday attacking Republican Sen. Roger Marshall …

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