GOPer Dold launches first ad in Kirk's district

Meet Robert Dold, a businessman who could be the GOP standard-bearer in one of the biggest House races in the country.

Dold is one of three big-money Republicans running to replace Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), and he's up with his first ad of the Feb. 2 primary. It's a pretty standard bio ad, but it provides a glimpse of just who the GOP might have on the ballot in what will be a huge and expensive race.

Look for these themes to continue to play out in more ads: small businessman, no bailouts, cut taxes, Pelosi bad, Reid bad. Dold hits all these points in an ad that has the feel of a newscast.

Dold faces state Rep. Beth Coulson and businessman Dick Green in the primary. On the other side, Dan Seals, the 2006 and 2008 Democratic nominee, faces a primary with state Rep. Julie Hamos.