National political advertisers pulling out of Colorado races

DENVER - Two of the biggest spenders in Colorado's political world the last few months are pulling their resources out of the state for the last week before the election.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) each informed Colorado television stations, including 9NEWS and My20, that they would not be advertising from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.

The DSCC withdrew at least $200,000 in advertising in support of Rep. Mark Udall (D-Colorado) in his race to replace retiring Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colorado). Previous DSCC ads have criticized Udall's Republican opponent Bob Schaffer. Recent polls have shown Udall ahead of Schaffer by more than 10 percentage points. The race has been a focal point for both national parties since Allard announced he would not run for re-election.

"We have known from the beginning that this will be a competitive race right down to the very end, and that's why Mark Udall is out campaigning and working for every vote, every day from now until November 4th," wrote Udall Campaign Press Secretary Tara Trujillo in an e-mail to 9NEWS. "We certainly expect the big money out-of-state front groups to see this as a chance to launch more of their dishonest attacks against Mark. But we're confident that Mark's message and the support of Coloradans across the state will help us fight those smears and bring about the change Colorado families need on Election Day."

Schaffer Campaign Manager Dick Wadhams interpreted the result differently.

"This is consistent with the remarkable arrogance and cockiness that the DSCC has conveyed throughout this election and past elections," wrote Wadhams in an e-mail to 9NEWS.

Meanwhile, in the other Colorado race drawing national attention, the NRCC withdrew at least $200,000 as well in advertising support of Rep. Marilyn Musgrave in Colorado's 4th Congressional District. Previous NRCC ads have criticized Musgrave's Democratic opponent Betsy Markey. Sources with both campaigns said their polling shows the race close, but Markey ahead.

"This is a clear indication that Musgrave's negative campaign is backfiring," wrote Markey Press Secretary Ben Marter in an e-mail to 9NEWS.

"This is a clear indication the NRCC believes Marilyn is in s strong position to close this race out with a victory in November," wrote Musgrave Campaign Manager Jason Thielman in an e-mail to 9NEWS. "We have the resources necessary to close strong and deliver our message unlike many other house candidates across the country."