Walz, Paulsen release first ads of the season

Reps. Tim Walz and Erik Paulsen have released their first TV ads of the election season.

Unlike the grenades being traded in the Sixth District, the two spots are positive and fairly benign.

Walz's ad focuses on his efforts to help a constituent get through to the Department of Veterans Affairs after contracting Parkinson's because of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. Paulsen's ad shows the congressman lecturing his daughters on the importance of balancing the budget, as he explains that he is a "numbers guy."

Walz's ad was expected, as his challenger Randy Demmer will likely be launching some TV spots of his own in the coming weeks. Paulsen's is a bit surprising, however, considering DFLer Jim Meffert has yet to make a significant splash (or raise much money).

The two ads are below.