National Democrats are launching yet another TV ad hitting North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis on state cuts to public education.  

Education is rarely the leading issue in a Senate race, but the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and its allies are pushing to ensure it stays at the forefront of the conversation. Tillis, the speaker of the state House, is challenging Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in a top GOP pickup opportunity.  

Senate Majority PAC and EMILY’s List have run similar ads. The latest one is from the DSCC, the second spot of a total $9.1 million buy in the state through the election.  

“Our schools are not some luxury,” North Carolina resident Shawn Jackson says in the ad. “But the tax cuts that Thom Tillis gave out for private jets and yachts? Those are. I don’t understand his priorities.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSvDHbrq1yU  

The ad launches one day after Hagan greeted President Barack Obama on the tarmac at the airport in Charlotte and both spoke at the American Legion convention. In her speech, Hagan said she told Obama “promises alone aren’t going to get it done” in reference to turning around Veterans Affairs, the Charlotte Observer reported .  

Tillis responded in a statement by slamming both Hagan and Obama on veterans care. His campaign later distributed a photo of the two Democrats meeting at the airport, one likely to appear in a Republican ad at some point.  

The race is rated Tilts Democratic by the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.  

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