Hickenlooper, Beauprez meet for last debate

Colorado Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper says he thinks Republican challenger Bob Beauprez politicized the death of state Corrections Director Tom Clements in a television ad criticizing Hickenlooper’s public-safety record.

Beauprez says it was not his intent to politicize Clements’ death or offend his widow, who asked the campaign to stop referencing her husband’s death. Beauprez has since changed the ad to remove the reference to Clements.

The issue came up Friday evening during the last gubernatorial debate. It was hosted by KCNC-TV.

In its original form, the ad mentioned the case of Evan Ebel, who spent much of his sentence in solitary confinement before being released. Authorities say he killed Clements.

The race is believed to be too close to call.