Culver not running but airs ads

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Gov. Chet Culver is airing a new television commercial touting his approach to flood recovery and budget problems.

Culver campaign manager Andrew Roos says the commercial is airing in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids and on scattered cable systems. He says Culver wants to communicate directly to Iowans amid lots of news about the state budget.

Faced with plunging tax revenue, Culver ordered a 10 percent cut in state spending. The move could force as many as 1,300 layoffs of state workers.

The ad argues Culver responded decisively to a budget shortfall without raising taxes. Republicans claim the Democrat is to blame for the cuts because he previously pushed for too much spending.

Culver hasn't announced he'll seek re-election but has been clear he wants another term.