WASHINGTON -- A Bellingham businessman who's aiming to defeat Sen. Patty Murray is taking to the airwaves in an advertising campaign targeted at true-red conservatives.

Paul Akers, a wood worker-turned-entrepreneur, began airing radio and cable television spots this month in Seattle, Spokane and Bellingham -- apparently the first candidate to do so among the dozen who are hoping to deny Murray a fourth term.

The ads are meant to reach Republican primary voters. Thus the spots have been appearing on FOX TV and on radio shows by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other conservative icons.

Akers launched his candidacy only in February, and has yet to file any financial disclosures with the Federal Election Commission. His campaign declined to say how much it was spending on the advertising buy. A campaign spokesman said some of the money is coming from Akers himself.

Akers founded and owns FastCap, a product development company that manufactures and sells carpentery tools, adhesives, hardware and other devices. Jess Honcoop, Akers' deputy campaign manager, said FastCap employs about 70 workers and has a network of distributors overseas.

As with several of Murray's other Republican challengers, Akers is touting his zero political experience as an asset. The rest of the field includes a former pro football player, a chiropractor, a motivational speaker and a current state senator.