Former state Rep. Jackie Walorski’s (R) campaign went on the air today with her first television spot in the competitive 2nd district race against Iraq War veteran Brendan Mullen (D).

“I was born in South Bend, and I’ve been a Hoosier all my life,” Walorski says in the ad, which highlights her local roots in the north-central Indiana district.

Walorski has the advantage in the open-seat race, and Roll Call rates this district as Leans Republican. Last year, Hoosier Republicans redrew the Congressional map and made the district more conservative.

The Walorski spot also subtly digs at Mullen’s residency issues. Previously, Republicans criticized Mullen for having several homes in Washington, D.C.

The Republican’s campaign purchased the buy to run for about two weeks in the South Bend media market on local broadcast stations, according to a Walorski aide.

Walorksi also holds a cash advantage in the contest. At the end of June, she reported $725,00 in the bank. Mullen reported $574,900 at the same time.

Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) is vacating this House seat to run for Senate this cycle.