Jacob said he didn't know about the ads and can't legally communicate with the PAC about them but agreed that Cannon hasn't been strong enough.

"He's trying to become like me," Jacob said. "He can't become like me because it makes him a flip-flopper."

Jacob has been careful not to spend what he thinks would be too much on his campaign. He prefers to appear wealthy but fiscally conservative. Many strategists have questioned his decision to wait a few weeks after the convention to launch his radio spots when polls showed his name recognition was perilously low. He said the decision was conscious, and those who still wonder why he hasn't done more or spent more don't realize that he is running a pinpointed campaign aimed only at the 13 to 18 percent of Republicans who will vote next week.

He said he will spend less than half the cost of Cannon's initial campaign in 1996, inoculating him, he hopes, against the appearance of buying the election.

"I'm trying to be frugal and still win."

He believes he can win and has said he might spend $200,000 in the final 10 days, if necessary.

"People underestimate John Jacob," he said, "and I like that."

---

E-mail: twalch@desnews.com