DES MOINES – Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle launched a new round of television advertising Monday as he collected the endorsement of the political arm of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.

Nussle said the backing from the corn growers’ political action committee is crucial because it didn’t endorse in the past and underscores his commitment to renewable fuels.

“I think it’s consistency and long-term commitment,” Nussle told The Associated Press.

“It’s a fashion when gas gets to be $3 a gallon, everybody has a renewable energy plan. It shouldn’t be about fashion.”

Nussle said he’s pushed ethanol and other renewable energy issues throughout his 16 years in Congress, dating back to the era when supporting ethanol wasn’t all that popular.

“There were people back then who saw the challenges,” he said.

Tim Recker, an Arlington farmer, said Nussle has a long record of backing alternative fuels.

“We are pleased to recognize Jim Nussle for his commitment to Iowa agriculture,” Recker said.

The endorsement carries weight in part because both of the gubernatorial rivals have made renewable energy a centerpiece of their campaigns.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver has called for creation of a $100 million fund to pay for expansion for the renewable fuels industry.

Nussle has called for a requirement that all gasoline sold in the state be blended with ethanol, and has said the renewable fuels effort should also focus on biodiesel and wind energy.

“Certainly I believe that Iowa agriculture is at a turning point, particularly with renewable energy and continuing to develop the rural areas of our state,” Nussle said.

Underscoring his argument was a new 30-second television ad that touts issues he’s focused on, including cutting taxes, easing business regulation and pushing for increased spending on education.

In the spot, Nussle pledges “to develop renewable energy – to create good jobs in Iowa and help lower gas prices.”

Meanwhile, Culver was in the midst of a 21-city “Back to School” tour touting his experience as a classroom teacher.

Culver, taught at two Des Moines high schools before being elected Secretary of State in 1998.

He says that if he wins the election he would be the only governor in the nation who has been in the classroom in the last 20 years.