Generational Change

Mark Udall is only in his first senate term, but because he started his senate career at 58 years old and is being challenged by 40-year-old congressman, he is seen as part of Washington’s poorly functioning congressional establishment. Stories often describe Cory Gardner as the young, energetic congressman. And indeed, Udall is an older member of the Baby Boomers and Gardner represents the increasingly dominant Generation X.

Udall’s senate career was delayed by four years due to Ken Salazar jumping into the 2004 primary for the open senate seat of retiring Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a party contest in which Udall had been the frontrunner.