Republican Dino Rossi is up with his first TV commerical. It is 30 seconds. The campaign calls it “Better.” It doesn’t mention his opponent, Gov. Chris Gregoire, and includes no specifics other than saying he’s for better schools, fewer traffic jams and a better climate for small businesses.

It is designed to stress Rossi’s campaign themes of “change” and without criticizing Gregoire raises the issue of leadership with his closing line:

A governor must lead, I will.

The ad follows Gregoire’s first TV spot that began airing last week and talks about what she says she’s done to help the state economy.

U.S. Sen. Ted Sevens, R-Alaska, was indicted today on charges related to his failure to disclose financial gifts and favors from VECO that brought him a remodeled home along with a new car for his son.

In Alaska, I’m sure the talk has already turned to what this does to Stevens’ re-election bid. He faces primary challengers and, if he were to win the nomination, would face a well-known and well-financed Democrat in Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

But the candidate who is likely to get the most immediate attention is a newcomer to the state, Vic Vickers, one of the Republicans in the primary against Stevens. While other candidates avoid direct mention of allegations against Stevens, Vickers has been explicit.

Democrat Darcy Burner’s campaign has more cash on hand than all but two other congressional challengers this year. That’s according to CQ Politics, as pointed out by the Burner campaign this morning. Here’s what CQ has to say about Burner’s stash of cash in her rematch against Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Auburn:

3. Darcy Burner, Democrat, Washington’s 8th ($1.2 million). Burner, who was formerly employed by Microsoft, is taking on two-term Rep. Reichert ($916,000) in a suburban Seattle district in which she came within three percentage points of unseating the congressman in 2006. Burner’s challenge is one reason why Reichert is among the most vulnerable Republican incumbents; so too is the likelihood that his district will back Barack Obama over John McCain for president. CQ Politics Race Rating: No Clear Favorite.

The advantage of big bank accounts is one reason why Democrats expect they’ll do well this year.

Democrats comprise nine of the 10 most cash-rich challengers to incumbents of the opposite party, according to a CQ Politics analysis of campaign finance reports that were recently filed with the Federal Election Commission. The large cash-on-hand totals posted by these Democrats are one sign party officials are hopeful of a number of seat takeovers in November.