In one, Buhler says, "The only beer I ever have is root beer," as he cracks one open. But, he says, that hasn't stopped him from promoting the loosening of Utah's liquor laws. He points to his time as a Republican member of the state Senate, when he championed a bill that did away with a cash-only requirement at state-owned liquor stores.

In another ad, Buhler stands in a red garbage can, emblazoned with the GOP's elephant symbol. Next to him is a closed blue can with the Democrats' donkey printed on it. Buhler says that although he is a Republican, he has a history of bipartisanship and suggests it's time to junk partisan bickering in city politics, which are officially nonpartisan. He talks of his support of the city's recycling program, joking that he didn't even put up a fight when the cans were colored blue, traditionally a symbol of the Democratic Party.

The ads all end with a comical voice saying, "Buhler," reminiscent of comedian Ben Stein's famous line in the '80s movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

"Most political candidates take themselves too seriously," said Tom Love, president of Love Communications, which Buhler has hired for his campaign's marketing. "We definitely don't want to do that." The ad campaign, he said, aims to show Buhler as a "nice, likeable guy — and that's how he gets things done."

Christensen's ads vary more subtly from each other. They focus on the campaign's theme, "He wins. We all win."

In all the ads, Christensen rides a bike and leads a crowd of other bikers, including an odd pairing: Democrat Anderson and Republican former U.S. Sen. Jake Garn, both of whom support Christensen's mayoral bid, riding together on a tandem bicycle. Anderson sits in front.

"You know anyone else who can get those two on a tandem bike together?" Christensen asked as he previewed the ads Friday.

Christensen's radio ad also brings Anderson and Garn together, as the two discuss their dramatically different political ideologies. "If I was for day," Garn says — "then I'd be for night," Anderson finishes. They note that the one thing they agree on is their support of Christensen.

In the end, Garn tries to suggest another possible area of agreement: "Boxers," he says.

"No, briefs," Anderson says.

The two argued over most all of the ads' details, including who would advocate which type of underwear, Christensen said.

Wilson has only one TV ad, and on Friday it was still in the editing room, but campaign officials say it should be ready to run later this week. It takes a more traditional tack, showing Wilson at various spots throughout the city as she notes her support for funding an extension of TRAX light rail to the airport, promoting environmentally friendly building and investing in the west side.

"I'm Jenny Wilson, and I love this city," she says. She touts her record on the County Council, especially on issues like the environment and transit.

Wilson's ad will likely air on cable first but should make its way to local news broadcasts in the coming weeks.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com