Patrick Murphy, the leading Democratic challenger to Rep. Allen West (R-FL) in the race for Florida’s newly drawn 18th Congressional district, is going up with his first two ads of the campaign. The 30-second spots,  entitled “Builder” and “Playground,” begin airing on network and cable TV on Tuesday.

“Builder” highlights Murphy’s background as a CPA, small businessman, and construction executive with private-sector experience creating jobs.  ”I’m a businessman and a CPA.  I know changing Washington won’t be easy.  But we can start by sending a builder, not a talker,” Murphy says in the spot.

“Playground,” meanwhile, focuses on the divisive rhetoric coming from West. “Look, there’s no doubt Allen West says what he thinks.  But the taunts, the name-calling, the bullying – Congress shouldn’t be a kids’ playground,” Murphy says in the second spot. “Right now we need someone who’ll lead, not divide.”

Murphy’s campaign, which reported raising over $500,000 last quarter, is spending over $150,000 to air both ads. West, who debuted his first TV ad of the re-election campaign last month, purchased additional ad time today during the Olympics.

Tags | Allen West, Builder, CPA, District 18, Patrick Murphy, Playground