Gardner announces run for 4th CD

After months of speculation that he would jump into the 2010 GOP primary race for Colorado's 4th Congressional District, state Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, has now made it official.

GardnerFTS File Photo

Gardner now faces a primary against fellow Republican and University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero. In addition, state Senator-turned Larimer County Commissioner Steve Johnson has also seen his name floated as a possible contender. Supporters of Fort Collins city councilman Diggs Brown, currently on active duty with the Army, have also formed a committee to encourage his possible candidacy upon his return later this year.

Gardner just wrapped up a contentious legislative session Wednesday, which he described as "one step forward, two steps back." He told Face The State he has a "broad base of support," which he says has only begun to grow since Thursday's announcement.

The 4th CD is currently represented by freshman Rep. Betsy Markey, a Democrat, who took nearly three months to set up an office in her district. In March, Markey announced her sponsorship of the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as "card check," a measure seeking to eliminate the private ballot for workers facing a vote over whether to unionize. She also voted "yes" on the Obama stimulus.

Markey has been named a 2010 GOP target even though she trounced three-term Republican Rep. Marilyn Musgrave by 12 points in 2008. In April, Markey's campaign announced it has raised over $342,000 in the first quarter of 2009. Gardner is unfazed, describing his fundraising team as the "best in the state."