The Denver Post editorial board endorsed Cory Gardner for Senate, a switch from its stance six years ago.
In the Friday endorsement, the newspaper wrote that Gardner, a Republican, can offer “fresh leadership, energy and ideas” to a dysfunctional Congress.
Gardner is in a tight race with Democratic incumbent Mark Udall, who has been in office since 2009 and was endorsed by the Denver Post during his 2008 Senate campaign.
But the paper took issue with Udall’s current campaign, which has focused heavily on Gardner’s support for personhood legislation that would restrict abortion.
“Udall is trying to frighten voters rather than inspire them with a hopeful vision. His obnoxious one-issue campaign is an insult to those he seeks to convince,” the editorial board said.
The newspaper noted that it disagrees with Gardner’s social-conservative views on same-sex marriage and abortion rights, but noted that he has emphasized economic and energy issues in his campaign.
“Honored and humbled to receive the @denverpost’s endorsement,” Gardner tweeted Friday afternoon.
A RealClearPolitics average of polls puts Gardner ahead of Udall by just 1.3 points with less than five weeks to go until Election Day.
