The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE -- Republican radio ads in Louisville in two Senate races and TV commercials in a western Kentucky Senate contest are keeping Gov. Paul Patton's affair with a nursing home operator fresh in voters' minds.

The Louisville ads charge that two Democratic candidates have failed to "stand up to Paul Patton and the scandals in Frankfort."

A television ad aimed at Owensboro voters says a third candidate "refuses to take a stand against the scandals in Frankfort."

The ads note that Mr. Patton raised money for the three targeted candidates:

Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman David Boswell of Owensboro, who is being challenged by state Rep. Mark Treesh of Philpot.

Bruce Roberts, a firefighter, who is challenging Sen. Dan Seum of Louisville.

State Rep. Larry Belcher of Shepherdsville, who faces Rep. Gary Tapp of Shelbyville for an open seat in Bullitt, Spencer and Shelby counties.

State Republican Chairwoman Ellen Williams said the races are the three closest for the Senate.

She said she didn't know whether other races will see similar ads.

The ads don't go into detail about the scandals, but Democratic consultant Danny Briscoe of Louisville said they don't have to.

"Right now, if you bring up Paul Patton's name, the first reaction of voters is to think about what's most recent," Mr. Briscoe said of Ms. Conner's allegations.

Ms. Conner has sued the governor and the state for sexual harassment. The lawsuit and criminal investigations of her allegations have kept the story in the news and made it an ideal issue for Republicans, Mr. Briscoe said.

"If I were them, that's what I would be doing," Mr. Briscoe said. "If the Democrats don't answer it in some way either at the state or local level, I think it has the potential to be very effective" and maintain or improve Republicans' 20-18 edge in the Senate.

Mr. Belcher didn't return a call seeking comment, but Mr. Gabbert said the money isn't tainted.

Mr. Roberts said he has not been asked about the scandal.

"I don't condone what he did, but this is a problem that he's going to have to take care of. I have not been associated with any of it," Mr. Roberts said.

Mr. Boswell said he has spoken out about the scandal and considers the ads unfair.

"I'm no more responsible for Paul Patton's personal behavior than he is mine," said Mr. Boswell, adding that the ads are an effort to establish guilt by association.

Mr. Patton's office referred questions to the party.