Crossroads GPS' Tim Kaine 'Applause' Ad In Virginia Slams Candidate's Obama Support

WASHINGTON -- The 2012 elections may still be a year away, but new television ads targeting former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D), who is running for U.S. Senate, are hitting the airwaves four media markets in the Old Dominion. The ad, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, is funded by the Crossroads GPS political action committee, which spent $616,000 on the ad buy.

The ad, titled "Applause," ties Kaine to President Obama and will air in the D.C., Richmond, Roanoke and Norfolk media markets.

"As Virginia governor, Tim Kaine's reckless spending turned a budget surplus into a big deficit," the ad says. "Reckless spending, massive debt, no wonder Tim Kaine applauds Obama."

Kaine was an early supporter of Obama during his presidential run and as Democratic National Committee chairman, trumpeted the president's priorities.

Next year, Kaine is expected to face Republican George Allen, a former governor and senator, in the race for the seat of retiring Sen. Jim Webb (D).