Cory Gardner Latest News

Somewhat lost in the shuffle of last night's caucus coverage was the strong showing by state Rep. Cory Gardner, one of several GOP candidates running to take on incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Betsy Markey in the state's fourth congressional district.

Most of the voters in the district live in Larimer and Weld counties and Gardner cleaned up in both places, winning 44 percent of the straw poll vote in Larimer, and 63 percent in Weld.

Gardner, who is from Yuma on the eastern plains, beat two Republican rivals on their home turf. Both Diggs Brown and Tom Lucero live in Larimer County, where they received 30 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

Dean Madere, a little-known contender boasting strong backing from Tea Party and 9.12 groups, took just 11 percent in Larimer County, in spite of the large presence of conservative grass roots groups in the area.

It's an interesting measure of the impact of the new conservative activists on the caucus process. Clearly, statewide GOP candidates like Dan Maes and Ken Buck have Tea Party groups to thank for their strong showings; but the Tea Party's plans to flood the zone Tuesday night did not produce the results lesser-known conservative candidates were hoping for.

- ELI STOKOLS