Obama, Democrat Win Could Cause Ad Industry 'Pain'

Now that the election's over and Sen. Barack Obama is the president-elect, the real fighting can begin. With the Democrats riding to victory with promises of change, it's a safe bet the next Congress and administration will look to make a mark on advertising and marketing issues. Most of those battles won't start until next year, but some of the implications could become apparent in coming weeks as Congress reorganizes and the new administration names its leadership. Washington advertising and marketing association officials suggest that the election's focus on the economy and health care could mean many marketing issues would take a back seat, but that doesn't ease their worries. Their biggest concerns: A major debate about health care could prompt discussion of limiting direct-to-consumer drug ads and perhaps of ad taxes.