Springs businessman Blaha formally enters Senate race

Colorado Springs businessman Robert Blaha has formally announced he’s seeking the Republican nomination for the state’s U.S. Senate race this year.

Blaha, who founded the consultancy firm Human Capital Associates, made his announcement in a Thursday interview with KCOL-AM in Fort Collins.

He aims to unseat Democrat Michael Bennet, and he’s pledged progress on halving illegal immigration, reducing the deficit and simplifying the tax code, among other issues.

Six other candidates want the GOP nomination, including state Sen. Tim Neville of Littleton.

Blaha unsuccessfully challenged Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs in 2012.