President Obama gives a personal endorsement to Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chris Murphy is a new television ad unveiled today.

“I know Chris Murphy,” the president says in the 30-second TV spot. “Chris has a real record of job creation here in Connecticut. And a jobs plan that puts the middle class first. And I know Chris Murphy will always stand up to those who would turn back the clock on women’s health.”

Obama continues: “I know the stakes are high. And I need Chris Murphy as a partner in the United States Senate. Connecticut, I hope you will support him.”

Murphy visited southeastern Connecticut early today, greeting workers outside Electric Boat with fellow Democrats Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed.

Later, the candidate stopped by Muddy Waters Café in downtown New London with Edward Kennedy Jr., and went on to visit Old Lyme.

Meanwhile in Hartford, Republican nominee Linda McMahon tightened up her pro-business and jobs growth message as her campaign readies for its “72-hour blitz” through the weekend and to Election Day.

“There’s a bright-line difference between Congressman Murphy and me,” McMahon told a business luncheon crowd of about 70 at The Hartford Club. “I’m a job creator. I’ve always been in the private sector. He has been in office for his career.”

She went on, “I have a plan to put people back to work and grow the economy, and he doesn’t have a plan. He has said he doesn’t have to talk about his plan because he has a record, and my view is, I don’t like his record very much.”

Both candidates had suspended campaigning following Hurricane Sandy.