Gordon Ball

Democrat Gordon Ball launched his first U.S. Senate campaign ad today with a pledge that he will remain on the air with ads through the Aug. 7 Democratic primary.

Ball's campaign says it is airing in media markets "throughout Tennessee," although Ball recently said it would not include Chattanooga, at least initially.

The spot is called "Backbone."

"Today we launch our first TV commercial of the campaign" Ball said in a news release. "'Backbone' will be a call to arms for Tennessee Democrats, letting them know that this is a new and better day for working Tennesseans and families."

He said that "for almost twenty years, Democrats from Mountain City to Memphis have been without a voice in the United States Senate. With the launch of 'Backbone,' we begin to rebuild our party, to energize and inspire Democrats across Tennesseans, and to bring hope to every corner of our state."

Ball faces fellow Knoxville attorney Terry Adams in the Democratic primary. Other Democrats include Larry Crim of Nashville. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., is running for reelection and faces opposition in the primary from state Rep. Joe Carr, R-Lascassas, and Dr. George Flinn, a Memphis physician and businessman.