Gardner seeking 2nd term in Colo.’s 4th district

Republican Rep. Cory Gardner is hoping to head off a former colleague in the state Legislature to win a second term in Congress.

Gardner faced Democratic Sen. Brandon Shaffer in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District, which includes rural eastern Colorado and some areas in Denver’s southern suburbs.

Gardner was first elected to Congress in 2010, defeating Democrat Betsy Markey. The 4th District was since redrawn to become even safer for Republicans, making Gardner’s re-election chances strong.

Shaffer seldom criticized Gardner during the campaign. He ran a general anti-incumbent campaign, hoping to exploit the public’s dim view of members of Congress.

Gardner emphasized his family’s farming background and said he’s a better fit for the rural, conservative district.