Graves Ad Attacks Bachmann on Closed Verso Paper Mill [VIDEO]

ST. PAUL  (AP) - Democrat Jim Graves is attacking Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann with a new TV ad featuring workers who lost their jobs at a Sartell paper mill.

Graves started running the ad Wednesday on Twin Cities networks as he tries to upset Bachmann in Minnesota's 6th District in the northern suburbs and St. Cloud area.

The ad shows several workers who say they didn't hear from Bachmann after an explosion and fire led to the closure of Verso Paper Corp.'s mill, putting almost 260 out of work. One worker accuses Bachmann of being "too worried about her own career."

Another TV ad introduces Graves to voters as a St. Cloud native and self-made businessman.

A spokeswoman says the campaign is spending $60,000 on both ads this week and about $240,000 next week.

Bachmann's campaign is calling the ad "a false character smear" and says she has been involved since the explosion, including sending letters to Sartell residents offering help.

She has met with plant officials and Sartell city officials since the explosion and fire.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)