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WASHINGTON -- GOP Senate candidate Mike McFadden has been plucked to deliver the Republicans' national weekly address — a sign establishment Republicans are grooming the political newbie and trying to garner him some name recognition.

The Republican response is customary and runs along with President Barack Obama's weekly radio address.

According to a copy of the prepared remarks, McFadden pushes a message of "independent leadership" in Washington. He touches on slimming down regulations, which he says would create more jobs. He also touts the importance of education as key to having a "highly-skilled workforce" that will move the economy forward.

McFadden's remarks were recorded earlier in the week.

McFadden, who is challenging Democratic Sen. Al Franken in November, still faces a primary himself Tuesday against state Rep. Jim Abeler.

"This November presents a tremendous opportunity for America to elect new leaders," McFadden said.

Obama will address why he authorized air strikes in Iraq this week.

According to the White House Saturday: "The president detailed why he authorized two operations in Iraq -- targeted military strikes to protect Americans serving in Iraq and humanitarian airdrops of food and water to help Iraqi civilians trapped on a mountain by terrorists."