Congressman asks Geithner to review Chrysler's Super Bowl ad buy

A Nevada congressman wrote Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner to review Chrysler's decision to run an expensive ad during this year's Super Bowl.

Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) wrote Geithner to express concern over the automaker's  decision to spend on advertising after having received billions in government assistance and having undergone bankruptcy in the pass year.

"While I certainly support Chrysler’s freedom to run its business and make independent advertising decisions, I wanted to express my concern, and that of my constituents, about this expensive choice and encourage your review," Heller wrote Geithner on Monday.

Ads for this year's Super Bowl between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints range between $2.5 million and $2.8 billion for 30 seconds, according to reports, though that figure is down from the $3 million sought by NBC for the same airtime last year.

Heller said he understood the need for Chrysler, which has since been acquired by the Italian automaker Fiat, to advertise, but not during the most expensive ad time this year.

"I can assure you that I want Chrysler and all American car companies to succeed, and recognize that advertising is a key part of any strategy," the congressman wrote. "However, the most expensive advertising time on television strikes many as extravagant, considering the taxpayer assistance needed by the company."

"Therefore, I urge you to review this decision on behalf of the taxpayers who have funded the loans to Chrysler and urge the company to reconsider," he added.

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