Ex-Iowa Gov. Branstad channels 'SNL' in new ad

Iowa Republican Terry Branstad borrowed from "Saturday Night Live" for his campaign's latest TV spot, countering Gov. Chet Culver's (D) opening ad salvo with a one-word answer — "really?"

"Chet Culver is criticizing Terry Branstad's accounting practices? Really?" the female announcer says in the spot. It goes on to tout Branstad's record as a fiscal conservative.

Spending is likely to be a central issue in the race.

SNL's Weekend Updated segment had a long-running bit called, "Really!? With Seth & Amy." A spokesman for Branstad declined to say whether it provided the ad's inspiration.

Branstad's new 30-second spot is running statewide on network and cable television. Kim Alfano of the Delaware-based firm Alfano Communications is producing his ads.

Watch the ad and a vintage clip of SNL's segment after the jump.