The independent expenditure of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has reserved time in the districts of vulnerable Democratic Reps. Jim Matheson (Utah) and John Barrow (Ga.).

The DCCC reserved just less than $400,000 of time from Oct. 16 through Election Day in the Salt Lake City media market, covering Utah’s 4th district. Matheson faces a serious challenge there from Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love (R) in a district that will vote strongly for Republican Mitt Romney in the presidential race.

A recent poll showed Matheson leading. The National Republican Congressional Committee reserved $948,000 in that market.

Democrats have also reserved $419,000 of time from Sept. 11 through Oct. 15 in Georgia’s 12th district, where Barrow faces a tough battle against the winner of a fierce GOP primary contest to be held later this month.

That reservation includes $165,000 in the Augusta media market and $254,000 in the Savannah media market. Barrow’s district grew substantially more Republican during redistricting, and the NRCC has reserved $892,000 to target the four-term Member.

Roll Call learned about the new DCCC reservation from a Democrat tracking national ad buys. The reservations were confirmed by a GOP source.

As with all TV reservations, these are subject to change or cancellation, as conditions warrant.