Republican Richard Hudson, a former Congressional aide running in North Carolina’s reconfigured 8th district, begins airing an ad today that uses humor to hit vulnerable Rep. Larry Kissell (D).

Sitting on a porch, Hudson introduces his bulldog, Hoover, at the beginning of the spot. He compares his pooch to Congress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgMuGhKhp3A

“Hoover here is a good watchdog,” Hudson says. “Our Congressman, Larry Kissell, he let Obama run up trillions in debt without barking one bit.

“Hoover consumes everything in sight,” Hudson adds, backed by jaunty music. “And Congress, same thing.”

Hudson ends the 30-second ad with his pitch: “If you want a conservative who guards your tax dollars, then I’m asking for your support.”

The ad will run in the district on cable stations through the end of the month backed by a $14,500 buy.

Hudson faces a number of serious contenders in the GOP primary on June 5 including neurosurgeon John Whitley, dentist Scott Keadle, state Rep. Fred Steen and former Winston-Salem City Councilman Vernon Robinson. Keadle won the endorsement of the Club for Growth on Monday.

Kissell is considered one of the 10 Most Vulnerable House Members seeking re-election. Read more about North Carolina’s competitive races and those across the South in Roll Call’s Election Preview.