The fall advertisement wars will start this week when House Republicans begin airing spots in four battleground races.

On Friday, the National Republican Congressional Committee will target Democratic Reps. John Barrow (Ga.), Ben Chandler (Ky.), Mike McIntyre (N.C.) and Mark Critz (Pa.) with advertisements in their  districts.

The NRCC previously announced $24 million in airtime reservations, but it can change those buys at any time. These independent expenditures mean the NRCC is putting down cash and airing spots — and doing it earlier than usual.

In 2010, the committee didn’t begin airing spots until after Labor Day. But the deluge of ads from outside groups and the competitive presidential race have pushed up the launch date for the traditional fall ad campaigns.

According to data on the buys obtained by Roll Call, the committee targeted less expensive markets with its first buys for the fall:

• Georgia’s 12th district: $81,065 across two markets.
• Kentucky’s 6th district: $45,305 in Lexington.
• North Carolina’s 7th district: $27,600 in Wilmington.
• Pennsylvania’s 12th district: $107,175 in Pittsburgh.

The NRCC plans to add other markets after Labor Day.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has announced more than $46.3 million in fall advertising reservations. But the committee currently does not plan to air advertisements until after Labor Day.