The ad war between Sen. Gordon Smith (R) and state Speaker Jeff Merkley (D) escalated during the political conventions, with both sides releasing multiple television spots attacking each other as they jockey for position in the Senate race.

On Monday, Merkley unveiled his third 30-second ad in a series of three focusing on the economy and — in the Democrat’s opinion — the failure of politicians in Washington, D.C., to address the nation’s woes.

The ad is running statewide on broadcast and cable television. Two other TV spots were released last week, in the midst of the Republican National Convention.

Meanwhile, Smith released three ads the week before, while the Democrats were in Denver to nominate their presidential candidate. A new ad from the GOP incumbent could hit as early as today, his campaign said Monday, with a second new ad expected to follow a few days later.

In Merkley’s latest ad, he accuses Washington of giving tax cuts to big corporations at the expense of the middle class.

“Tax cuts. They ought to go to middle-class families. Instead, Washington has been giving tax breaks to corporations that ship our jobs overseas,” Merkley says looking straight into the camera as the ad opens.

In Smith’s most recent ad, airing statewide on broadcast and cable television, the Senator hit Merkley for his record in the state Legislature.

“Jeff Merkley raised taxes, then spent millions on luxurious new furniture,” the voiceover says as Smith’s ad opens. “What’s Worse? Merkley cut home care for seniors by $4 million. And he doubled spending on legislative staff.”