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Gardner Hopes To Bring ‘Colorado Values’ To U.S. Senate

Cory Gardner for U.S. Senate Campaign
Cory Gardner declared his candidacy on March 1. This photo was shared on his Facebook page.

In what’s largely viewed as a game changer for Colorado’s 2014 Senate race, Republican 4th Congressional Representative Cory Gardner announced plans to run against Democratic incumbent Mark Udall.

Rep. Gardner says he entered the race because he wanted to have more of an impact. Changing the thin majority in the U.S. Senate from the Democratic to the Republican column would make a big difference.

“The fact is that this country needs leaders who are willing to do more to stand up for their country, who are willing to put the country ahead of themselves,” said Gardner. “And that’s running for a senate seat that we know needs to change in order to actually start creating opportunity for the people in this country once again,

Last week, independent pollster Floyd Ciruli told Reuters that Gardner’s announcement “changes the dynamic of the race.” Assuming Gardner’s successful transition into the race, Ciruli has said that Gardner’s status as a rising star makes him competitive to incumbent Mark Udall.

Cory Gardner Interview Highlights

How his conservative views will translate in a statewide race:

“It’s been a voting record of pro growth, economic policies. I have fought against Obamacare because of the hundreds of thousands of people who have been hurt by it in Colorado who have had their insurance canceled and who have seen their rates increased. I have stood up for common sense regulatory reforms. And I’ve stood up for renewable and traditional energy...”

On running against a candidate with more experience:

“…I don’t think the people of Colorado are looking for Washington experience. I think they’re looking for people with fresh ideas, new ways to approach problems. Over the past decade, our debt has increased dramatically, taxes have increased, regulations have increased, war on energy has put people out of work on the Western Slope. I think the people of Colorado want Colorado values in Washington and not someone who has grown stale in Washington D.C.”

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