Michael Capuano has first TV ad of Senate race

Michael Capuano hasn't even officially declared his candidacy to replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy and already he's released his first television commercial.

The Democratic congressman brands himself the only candidate who "stood with Ted Kennedy" against the Iraq war and "mirrors his progressive record."

The introductory spot also credits him with turning around Somerville while he was mayor. It says he favors abortion rights and opposes the death penalty.

The early ad began airing statewide on Thursday. It's testment to the $1.2 million Capuano already has in his federal campaign account. Attorney General Martha Coakley was the first Democrat to declare, but she lacked a federal account and has been busily raising money to get on TV.

The primary is Dec. 8.