ST. PAUL — A major independent group working to elect Republican Mitt Romney is entering Minnesota’s TV market just days before Election Day with a $1.4 million ad buy, and former President Bill Clinton will make his second trip to the state in less than a week today.

Crossroads GPS said Friday it will spend $1.4 million to air an ad statewide about President Barack Obama and the national debt. The group is the nonprofit arm of the American Crossroads super PAC, tied to former President George W. Bush’s political adviser Karl Rove.

Minnesota has gotten more attention in the last phase of the presidential race.

Romney running mate Paul Ryan visits Minneapolis today. Clinton is slated to visit St. Cloud.

The state last backed a Republican for president in 1972.