(NM) Democrat Ben Ray Lujan unveils 1st US Senate TV campaign ad

NAMBÉ, N.M. (AP) — Democrat Ben Ray Luján has released his first television campaign ad in his bid for the U.S. Senate. The “Voices” ad scheduled to begin airing Tuesday highlights Luján’s role as an “11th generation New Mexican” and his desire to represent rural values.

“I hear the voices of my family and the generations who came before us. I’ve always said New Mexico is worth fighting for,” Luján says as people throw hay onto a truck. “That’s why I work every day to lower prescription drug costs, help veterans in rural communities get the benefits they’ve earned, and protect the water that’s the lifeblood of our communities.”

The U.S. congressman doesn’t mention his GOP opponent Mark Ronchetti nor President Donald Trump. Luján says his campaign will try to reach the state’s 33 counties through a virtual road trip.

The Santa Fe Democrat and former television weatherman Ronchetti (R) are seeking to replace U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, who is retiring.