Shaffer Challenges Gardner

Although the lines haven’t been drawn and at least some maps leave him out of the 4^th CD, Senate President Brandon Shaffer has already started a campaign against Republican incumbent Congressman Cory Gardner.

Shaffer’s strategy is to label Gardner as extreme as former Congresswomen Marilyn Musgrave, defeated in the Democratic sweep of 2008.

The latest Gallup national poll shows, using a generic ballot question, Democrats are seven points ahead in the election.  A recent Democratic robo poll in Colorado shows Democrats up five points.

Shaffer’s strategy is no doubt recommended by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which encouraged him to run and targeted the district for a pick-up.  And, of course, the new district boundaries will shape the race.  But, Gardner is not Musgrave and 2012 is not 2008.  President Obama is in the low forty percent approval, and is unlikely to be any help in Colorado.

Gardner does have to be concerned if voters decide to toss all congressional pols out.  Gallup reports that 70 percent of voters take that view in a generic question, although 54 percent say they would re-elect their own congressperson.

Also see Colorado Independent article:  Shaffer-Gardner battle will test Colorado’s transitioning 4^th District