The National Republican Congressional Committee’s independent expenditure arm has started spending money to knock a third-party candidate in Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional district, where one of the most competitive races in the country is under way to fill retiring Rep. Jim Ramstad’s (R) seat.

Recent polls have shown a dead heat between state Rep. Erik Paulsen (R) and Iraq War veteran Ashwin Madia (D). A SurveyUSA poll of 643 likely voters taken Oct. 26-27 showed a statistical tie, with Paulsen leading Madia, 45 percent to 44 percent, and 9 percent voting for “other.”

The NRCC’s IE unit spent $11,200 in mail opposing businessman David Dillon, the nominee of the Independence Party, according to online finance records. Although that is a small amount of money considering the millions of dollars both parties are investing in Congressional races, the spending suggests that Dillon is likely taking votes away from Paulsen.