Lunsford calls out McConnell in second ad

Kentucky's airwaves continue to be bombarded with advertisements in the U.S. Senate race, as Bruce Lunsford launched a second commercial today in his bid to unseat incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell. This ad - entitled "Real World" - represents an escalation for Lunsford's campaign, as he explicitly references McConnell and his Senate career during the 30-second ad, unlike in his previous productions. In "Real World," Lunsford briefly discusses his history as a tobacco farmer, businessman, and member of the National Guard before mentioning McConnell. "Mitch McConnell has been in the Senate 24 years. Washington has changed him and things are getting worse," says Lunsford in the ad. "After 24 years, its time for a change." The ad is available on Lunsford's website. In a release dispatched in conjunction with the ad, Lunsford says "Mitch McConnell has been a reliable rubber-stamp for George W. Bush and his failed policies that put the special interests ahead of our interests. We must change the way we do business in Washington." Lunsford fired his first salvo in the Senate race air war last week by running an initial ad characterizing his candidacy as that which could "change Washington." Then, he did not mention McConnell. In previous releases and statements, however, Lunsford's camp did reference the four-term incumbent. McConnell's campaign launched a new TV ad earlier this week, focusing on the Senator's work to secure funds for workers who incurred diseases after working at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Western Kentucky. Lunsford still must defeat six opponents in the May 20 Democratic primary before he can face McConnell in the general election. Fellow Democratic contenders Michael Cassaro and Greg Fischer also plan to hit television during the campaign. Fischer's camp is reportedly currently in production on their candidate's first advertisement.