DENVER Democratic challenger Sal Pace outraised incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, in the last quarter of the year.
Pace raised $206,000 to Tiptons $176,000.
Still, Tipton finished the year with more money in the bank $510,000 to Paces $341,000.
Both campaigns can count on help from Washington. The National Republican Congressional Committee this week put Tipton on its Patriots list of high-priority districts to defend. Two weeks ago, Pace qualified for the Democrats Red to Blue list.
Both distinctions mean the national campaign committees will help with fundraising and organizing something they do in only a few dozen districts nationwide.
More GOP moves: U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Aurora, also qualified for the Patriots list. Although Coffman has far outraised his Democratic challengers, his district shifted from a safe Republican one to highly competitive when a Denver judge adopted new maps last fall.
Also this week, Republican Joe Coors, of the famous brewing family, announced a challenge to U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Golden. Like Coffmans district, Perlmutters became more competitive after the redistricting trial.
Presidents week: Colorado got a fast and furious taste of presidential politics this week, when GOP candidates Ron Paul and Rick Santorum held several Front Range rallies. Colorado Republicans will attend neighborhood caucuses Tuesday to express their preference for president.
Paul drew 1,000 people at each of his three appearances.
Although Santorum played to smaller crowds, he picked up some big-name endorsements.
Tom Tancredo, a former congressman and candidate for president and governor, endorsed the ex-Pennsylvania senator. So did former Lt. Gov Jane Norton and former U.S. Rep. Bob Schaffer.
Mitt Romney is scheduled to be in Colorado Springs this afternoon for a rally.
Countdown: Three days to the Colorado Republican caucuses. 276 days until the November election.
