Democratic nominee Mark Critz went on the air Thursday with his first television advertisement in the special election to fill the seat formerly held by his boss, the late Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.).

Critz’s move to hit TV airwaves comes one day after his opponent, businessman Tim Burns (R), began airing his first spot ahead of the May 18 special election.

Critz mentions the late Congressman several times in the 30-second spot, which the campaign reports began airing Thursday on cable and broadcast stations in the district.

A campaign spokesman did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the size of the buy. The spot was created by Murphy Putnam Media.