ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - With their primary a month out, two Republicans jockeying for the nomination against Democratic Sen. Al Franken are picking it up a notch.
The favorite, businessman Mike McFadden, is out with his first broadcast television ad that will start airing statewide Tuesday. His main opponent, state Rep. Jim Abeler, touted an endorsement Monday by former GOP Gov. Al Quie. The winner of their Aug. 12 primary will advance to a general election contest with Franken.
McFadden has the state Republican Party's endorsement and a substantial fundraising edge.
His new ad features him coaching a youth football team and one of the pint-sized players says "Washington is fumbling our future.'' It ends with the candidate getting the wind knocked out of him as he gives the standard campaign ad disclosure.