Madia on the air in the 3rd

Congressional candidate Ashwin Madia has taken to the airwaves in his bid for the DFL endorsement in Minnesota’s 3rd District.

The 60-second radio ad touches on the major themes Madia’s been reiterating on the stump — leading through American principles, a responsible withdrawal from Iraq, green energy and a focus on congressional oversight responsibilities. Currently, the ad is running on Air America, where rival Terri Bonoff has also been advertising in support of her campaign and the upcoming Blue State Ball.

Madia had a successful 2007 in terms of fundraising and looks poised to put those funds to good use to introduce himself to the district. As noted here and elsewhere, his biggest disadvantage in the race for the DFL nod will be experience, both in government and among the party activists whose support he will need in order to win. According to his staff, the ad is on a three-week buy, taking it through precinct caucuses on Feb. 5.

In an off-year election in which no presidents are being elected, biographical/introductory ads like this one might not be quite as effective — the universe of people to whom the candidate has to introduce himself is smaller, and thus those DFL regulars are harder to reach. This year, however, should see massive turnout at precinct caucuses, with a contested Senate race, the 3rd District race and the White House on the line.

On the other hand, there’s more to winning the 3rd District DFL endorsement than getting people to show up for caucuses. The campaigns need to get people to raise their hand when their precinct caucus selects delegates to their Senate district convention, and the campaign then needs to talk to that universe as well.

Nothing is certain in caucuses and nominating conventions.