From Morning Hot Dish, the Star Tribune's AM political newsletter. To subscribe, go to http://www.startribune.com/membercenter.

Political groups have used billboards, newspapers, TV and radio to launch ad campaigns attacking and defending politicians this year.

Now Democrats are trying to get their message to voters at the pump.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has purchased ads attacking U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen that are appearing in gas stations in the Third District.

The ad doesn't hit Paulsen for gas prices — a line the GOP has used against President Obama recently — but it knocks him for his record on Medicare and "tax breaks for millionaires." The gas ads are part of a national campaign in more than three dozen districts.

One Minnesota Republican not on the DCCC's list this time: freshman U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack, who has the most frequent Minnesota GOP target of Democrats in 2011.