Cong. John Boozman, considered a front-runner for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, has finally taken to the airwaves.  His first says a lot about the possible strength of his first quarter fundraising and his standing in the field of eight candidates.

Boozman’s first ad is a “bio” ad entitled “Lifelong Gift” which describes the candidate’s upbringing and business career.  It shies away from his Washington, D.C. experience and highlights his Christianity.  A spokesman for Boozman’s campaign said the ad is airing in the central and northwest Arkansas media markets on broadcast and cable television.

The ad doesn’t mention any of the GOP challengers either.  I’ll draw you two conclusions. 1) Boozman has raised enough money to keep a steady presence on the airwaves through the primary.  2) By not mentioning his opponents, he’s likely got a comfortable first place lead according to his internal polling.

Here’s a transcript of the ad:

“A Christian upbringing is a life-long gift. John Boozman treasures that gift and shares it everyday. Taught to study hard and dream big, John Boozman earned a degree, played Razorback football and opened up a small town eye clinic which became big time success. Family man. Cattleman. Congressman. John Boozman believes we can achieve any dream. John Boozman for Senate. I’m John Boozman and I approve this message.”

Or you can watch it here.

UPDATE: Challenger Gilbert Baker’s campaign, which may be the only other GOP Senate nominee with funds to compete with Boozman, offered a statement on Boozman’s first ad.

Campaign Manager Alice Stewart took a shot at Boozman’s tenure in Washington, D.C.

“Washington is broken and Congress is the problem. Folks in D.C. have had opportunities to lead by balancing the budget and providing solutions. They haven’t. Rather, we have added trillions of dollars to our children’s debt by supporting big government bailouts that have done nothing for our economy. It’s time for fresh new ideas. We cannot fix Washington problems with Washington people, and Washington solutions,” she said.