As independent expenditure season gets under way in Congressional races across the nation, Republican state Sen. Bill Cassidy got a big boost Tuesday from the political action committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Cassidy, a medical doctor who helped co-found the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic, which provides free dental and health care to uninsured workers, is hoping to win the 6th district seat that Republicans lost to now-Rep. Don Cazayoux (D) in a special election this spring. Democratic-turned-Independent state Rep. Michael Jackson, whom Cazayoux beat in a special election primary, is also on the ballot, and his candidacy is one reason why Republicans are particularly excited about winning back a district that had been considered safely Republican until this year’s special election.

On Tuesday the American Academy of Ophthalmology PAC reported dropping just less than $50,000 on television ads that support Cassidy.