New ad assails Scott Walker's jobs record

(CBS News) -- Six weeks before Wisconsin's recall general election, the Democratic Governors Association is helping to finance an aggressive ad campaign against Republican Gov. Scott Walker, slamming him for thousands of jobs lost since he took office.

"Most states gained jobs last year, but under Governor Walker, Wisconsin lost more jobs than any other state," a narrator asserts, as a graphic appears that cites a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics number that the state lost 12,500 jobs in 2011.

The ad, scheduled to begin airing statewide on Monday, was financed in part by the DGA's $500,000 contribution to the Greater Wisconsin Political Fund.

Michelle McGrorty, executive director of the Greater Wisconsin Political Fund said in a press release, "Since the country as a whole, and our Midwestern neighbors are gaining jobs, it's pretty clear the problem is Scott Walker."

In addition to facing criticism for his record on the economy, Walker has been in the line of fire from critics who oppose his efforts to strip away benefits from public sector unions. Walker is only the third sitting governor to face a recall election. Wisconsin officials granted the recall after more than one million signatures were submitted in January, far exceeding the requisite 540,208 minimum.

Walker said in an interview with Newsmax.TV that he believes President Obama's supporters are organizing to help defeating him in the June 5 recall election.

"I think you'll see the most radical elements on the left are going to be involved in this recall, because again for them, this is so critically important," Walker said.

Walker added, "I think they understand that when we win, this will send a powerful message not just to other Republican governors, but to even some of the discerning Democrats who hold governorships and even mayoral positions across the country."

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Kathleen Falk, a former county executive in Dane County, Wisc., are vying for the Democratic nomination in the state's May 8 primary. The winner will face Walker in the recall four weeks later.