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Republican candidates in Philadelphia, especially in liberal Center City, are often called sacrificial lambs, doomed to failure by a Democratic electorate that outnumbers them 6-1.

Wally Zimolong is as much a long shot as any, but he's not giving up. The Republican nominee for the 182nd Legislative District has been heavily circulating campaign literature, making the rounds on news shows, and now, he's up with his first TV ad of the election cycle.

In the ad, Zimolong, who is trying to unseat state Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia), says he's running because "Philadelphia is worth fighting for and our elected officials need to stand for something."

Zimolong says the ad (embedded below), will start airing next week on ESPN, Comcast Sportsnet, CNN and Fox News.

The candidates in Philadelphia's 182nd Legislative District are scheduled to debate Wednesday night in South Philadelphia.

State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-Philadelphia) is facing a challenge from Republican challenger Wally Zimolong. The district is overwhelmingly Democratic, leaving little hope for Zimolong's chances.

But he can take some solace in recent voter discontent over Josephs' stance on reform legislation.

The debate is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Palumbo Recreation Center at 10th and Fitzwater Streets.