Updated 6:29 p.m.: Rep. Trent Franks (R) will endorse Wil Cardon over fellow Rep. Jeff Flake today in the Republican Senatorial primary.

Franks is scheduled to co-host a campaign style meet-and-greet with Cardon this evening in Phoenix, and earlier today he released a statement that was complimentary of the wealthy businessman and his Senatorial candidacy.

“Wil Cardon understands what Arizona needs in Washington,” Franks said in a statement put out by the Cardon campaign. “He is committed to getting our economy back on track, upholding our country’s rule of law and looking out for Arizona families.”

Flake also released his first television ad of the primary in a substantial, six-figure buy. The ad, which touts his conservative credentials, will air on broadcast, cable and radio beginning Wednesday.

The ad is positive. It shows him getting up before dawn, going for a run and making breakfast for his family before he drives to work.

Sources in the Flake campaign say the ad was not rushed to air out of fear of Cardon, who has invested heavily on TV advertising during the past several months.

A Flake source noted that early voting in the Aug. 28 primary is only about six weeks away.

Former Surgeon General Richard Carmona is the presumptive Democratic nominee. Roll Call rates this race as Leans Republican