An ad for Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., is raising eyebrows because it includes Fargo Mayor Bruce Furness, a Republican.
Conrad spokesman Chris Thorne said the ad is for information and not an early political campaign ad, though it is financed from campaign funds.
Furness said his appearance is not meant as an endorsement of Conrad for re-election in 2006, but he is pleased with Conrad's work for North Dakota.
The ad talks about Conrad's work on behalf of military bases in Fargo and Grand Forks, and his work on energy and transportation bills.
North Dakota State University political science Professor Nick Baurhoft sees it as a sign that Conrad expects a tough challenge from Republican Gov. John Hoeven, even though Hoeven has not declared himself a Senate candidate.
