ST. PAUL— Two Republicans jockeying for the U.S. Senate nomination against Democratic Sen. Al Franken demonstrated their differing paths Monday to getting campaign exposure as the primary election approaches in less than a month.

The favorite, businessman Mike McFadden, released his first broadcast television ad that will start airing statewide Tuesday. His main opponent, state Rep. Jim Abeler, touted an endorsement by former GOP Gov. Al Quie. The winner of their Aug. 12 primary will advance to a general election contest with Franken.

McFadden has the state Republican Party’s endorsement and a substantial fundraising edge over Abeler.

The new TV ad features him coaching a youth football team with his campaign themes shown on screen as the squad runs drills. One of the pint-sized players says, “Washington is fumbling our future.” The ad doesn’t mention the Republican primary or Franken.

It ends with the candidate getting the wind knocked out of him as he gives the standard campaign “I approved this message” ad disclosure.