NEW YORK (AP) — A Republican-leaning independent group backing presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has launched a $3 million TV ad campaign in Pennsylvania.

Americans for Prosperity announced Wednesday it would air two ads criticizing President Barack Obama there. Republicans hope to make Pennsylvania competitive for the GOP nominee in the closing days of the campaign.

Romney's campaign announced Monday it would begin running ads in the state, and several other pro-Romney groups have been airing ads as well. Obama's campaign has begun advertising in Pennsylvania while insisting the state is safely in the president's column.

Americans for Prosperity was founded by Charles and David Koch (kohk), billionaire energy executives and longtime supporters of Republican causes. The group has spent more than $46 million this year on ads supporting Romney.