Seals hits the airwaves in 10th

Dan Seals, the Democratic candidate in the 10th Congressional District, is taking his message to television.

The business consultant from Wilmette on Friday released "Independent and Impressive," his first television ad in what is expected to be a closely watched race nationally.

The 30-second spot portrays Seals as someone who would "rein in Washington spending."

The ads will air in the Chicago area for an unspecified time and mark the first airplay of any kind for Seals, who is running for a third consecutive time for the 10th seat.

Seals narrowly lost in 2006 and 2008 to incumbent Mark Kirk, who is leaving the seat he has held for five terms to run for the U.S. Senate.

Seals' opponent, Republican Robert Dold, broke the ice and began airing radio spots in July. Last Tuesday, he announced the debut of his "Back to Work" television spot.

In that ad, Dold says politicians in Washington are "taxing and spending us to the tipping point," making it harder for business to operate. Dold, a Kenilworth resident and president of a pest control company, is making his first run for elected office.

Seals has not aired any radio spots. In his television ad, he says he will reduce the deficit and strengthen the economy. He also vows to curb spending and keep taxes low for the middle class.

"Dan believes we can't pass on a mountain of debt to our children," said Seals' spokeswoman, Aviva Gibbs. "We need to cut wasteful spending and be more efficient."

A Dold spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment.

The 10th District covers eastern Lake and northeastern Cook County and includes the North Shore.

Both candidates expect support from their respective national parties. Democrats regard the seat as a potential key pickup. Republicans have said Dold is well positioned to succeed Kirk.