by John McCormick and Rick Pearson

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama is targeting Hispanic voters with a new radio ad in the early caucus state of Nevada.

The campaign said today that the Spanish-language ads are running statewide.

“We have a lot of work to do," Obama said in a statement. "But I am confident that together we can bring change to this country by continuing to stand up for comprehensive immigration reform, fighting for more affordable health care and committing ourselves to equipping the next generation of Latino leaders with the educational tools essential for success.”

Meanwhile, in Iowa, Obama rival Bill Richardson unveiled two new TV ads that tout the New Mexico governor as promoter of jobs and economic development. Richardson, who speaks Spanish well himself, later this week is expected to unveil his own federal proposal for economic and job growth in Iowa.

The text of the Obama ad, as provided by his campaign, is below.

DISCLAIMER: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

FADE IN MUSIC (THROUGHOUT)

FEMALE: If you don’t know who Barack Obama is, let us give you a hand:

MALE: As a son of a foreign father who came to this country looking for a better life, Barack Obama learned that differences do not divide, but rather enrich. From the U.S. Senate he has defied the politicians who forget the very people they serve.

FEMALE: If you still want to know more, let us tell you Barack Obama is a Christian man committed to our community, his wife and his daughters.

MALE: A leader who fights for the rights of everyone.

FEMALE: We thought it was important for you to know, because in these difficult times, we need a person like Barack Obama as President.

MALE: Capable of restoring our international reputation and capable of uniting our country again.

FEMALE: Meet him and be part of the change.