Click here to watch "Hoosier."

Former Rep. Jill Long Thompson (D) becomes the last Indiana gubernatorial candidate to join the ad war this week, launching her first TV spot (subscription) statewide on Tuesday. In what is shaping up to be a competitive primary, Thompson is facing off against wealthy architect Jim Schellinger (subscription) for the chance to challenge incumbent Mitch Daniels (R) in the fall. Daniels, for his part, is already running TV ads even though he faces no primary challenger.

The spot, "Hoosier," combines biographical elements from Thompson's life with a pitch for her plans to "reinvest in Indiana." The announcer emphasizes Thompson's humble upbringing: "Raised on the family farm, first to go to college, Jill earned her PhD in business." She "then helped save their farm from bankruptcy while her mother's job was shipped to Mexico," the ad recounts, suggesting the candidate understands the consequences of outsourcing. The ad then touts her experience in Congress, and Thompson appears on screen, pledging not to "sell state assets to foreign companies."

Russ Pulliam of the Indianapolis Star argues that Indiana's May 6 Democratic primary is still either candidate's for the taking. Although Schellinger holds a financial advantage, Thompson enjoys better name recognition. That could prove significant, as voter turnout is expected to be high; the vote falls on the same day that the presidential primary contest between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama comes to Indiana.

But, according to Pulliam, some Hoosier State pols are floating ideas for a dream ticket of their own: Thompson-Schellinger. Knowing that they will face an uphill battle in November, some Democrats would like to see the two join forces against Daniels instead of exhausting valuable resources -- and advertising dollars -- fighting each other.