GOP Colorado state legislator Neville to run for US Senate

Republican Colorado state Sen. Tim Neville is running for U.S. Senate, hoping to challenge Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.

Neville says he’s running on a platform of opposing federal mandates on health care and education, among other issues.

The 59-year-old state senator from Littleton is serving his second term in the state Senate. The Denver Post first reported his candidacy.

Neville is waiting to hear whether he’ll face competition in the Republican primary from George Brauchler, the Arapahoe County district attorney who prosecuted Colorado theater shooter James Holmes.

Neville says he doesn’t fear a primary contest and that his conservative voting record will help him. In the state Legislature, Neville has voted to repeal gun-control measures such as expanded background checks.