Kirk hits air with first TV ad in Senate race

Republican Mark Kirk is hitting the airwaves with the first TV ad in his bid for President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.

Kirk, a five-term congressman, introduces himself to voters in the 30-second spot that doesn't mention Democrat Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois' first-term state treasurer.

In the ad, Kirk highlights his military service as a commander in the Naval Reserve. He also calls himself an "independent-minded Republican" and "budget hawk."

The Giannoulias campaign was quick to jump on Kirk, calling him "another typical Washington politician." A campaign spokeswoman blasted Kirk for supporting former President Bush's "reckless" budgets that she says led to the country's recession.

Kirk campaign spokesman Eric Elk said Monday the ad will run across Illinois on cable and broadcast TV.