The first campaign television ad of the much-hyped “brawl on the Bayou” was released statewide Wednesday by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D), who is battling for a third term against state Treasurer John Kennedy (R).

Titled “Fighter,” the new ad continues to play on Landrieu’s campaign theme that the Senator’s rising seniority on Capitol Hill is an important benefit for Louisianans.

“She works across party lines. Her seniority gets things done,” a narrator in the ad says. “She took on FEMA, brought jobs to every part of our state and won Louisiana over $40 billion in offshore oil and gas revenue.”

Kennedy is a former Democrat who jumped to the Republican Party before winning his third term as state treasurer last fall. Though he is not yet on television, on Friday he wrapped up a four-day, 11-city bus tour that served as his official campaign kickoff.

Since entering the race, Kennedy has pushed a reform message. His campaign (along with national Republicans who view this race as a key pickup opportunity) has called Landrieu as symbol of “politics as usual” in Washington, D.C.

“In a change year Mary is defending Washington,” said Lenny Alcivar, Kennedy’s communications director. “It’s possible that Mary Landrieu is the only person in the United States who believes Washington is working for the people.”