Udall, Gardner Raise Big Money In Colorado Senate Race
DENVER (AP) - Democratic Sen. Mark Udall raised $3.1 million in the second quarter of the year as Colorado's Senate contest continued to be one of the most expensive in the nation.
Udall's haul gave him $5.7 million cash on hand, his campaign said in a news release Monday. Last week, Republican Rep. Cory Gardner reported raising $2.7 million and having $3.4 million cash available.
The race between Udall and Gardner has already featured millions of dollars in ads from outside groups, and a memo from Udall campaign manager Adam Dunstone to supporters noted that, on one day last month, four separate ads targeting the senator were released in a single day. He said Udall would likely set a record for raising more money than any other Colorado Senate candidate has.
Gardner only entered the race in late February and has been frantically raising money since his entrance. Udall's campaign has tried to force Gardner to spend his smaller nest egg by hammering him in ads on social issues like reproductive rights.
Gardner has tried to tie Udall to President Barack Obama, who polls poorly in Colorado. Last week, the president headlined a fundraiser for Udall in Denver, but the senator stayed away, saying he had to take votes on business in the Senate.
Republicans need to win six senate seats to gain control of that chamber.
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI, Associated Press
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