Barrett ads criticize Republican rival

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett is directly criticizing his Republican rival Scott Walker in his latest three television ads.

Barrett's campaign started paying for the ads after Democratic-friendly groups have remained on the sidelines for months in the race. On Tuesday, the liberal Greater Wisconsin Committee ran its first new ad since May attacking Walker.

Walker has benefited from the Republican Governors Association spending more than $1 million on TV ads attacking Barrett, the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor. The RGA also unveiled a new spot on Tuesday.

Outside groups are prohibited by law to coordinate their messages with candidates but their ads help shape the debate, and most importantly, influence voters' opinions.