Home-state senator vouches for Clinton in ad

For her first TV ad in the showdown state of Indiana, Hillary Clinton relies on one of her most faithful surrogates, Senator Evan Bayh of the Hoosier state.

Bayh, a possible vice presidential pick if Clinton comes back to win the nomination, lauds her "spine of steel" in the spot, which will air starting Tuesday.

"America faces challenging times," Bayh says in the ad. "We need a leader who'll fight for good jobs, change trade deals like NAFTA, cut taxes for middle class families. Someone who's ready to be commander-in-chief from day one. That leader? Hillary Clinton.

"I've known Hillary for twenty years," he continues. "She's got a spine of steel. She'll fight for our jobs, our troops, and the America we love.
Strong. Seasoned. She'll always stand up for us."

Barack Obama has been on the airwaves since March 28, starting with an ad where he stands in front of a closed steel mill and promises to stand up for workers.

With Clinton favored in the Pennsylvania primary on April 22, and Obama favored in North Carolina on May 6, the Indiana primary on May 6 could be the toss-up contest.