About Betsy Markey
Holding onto a Republican-leaning seat
In 2008, businesswoman Betsy Markey unseated one of the most far-right-wing Republicans in Congress, Marilyn Musgrave, in Colorado’s fourth district. As soon as she was sworn in, Markey became a target for the GOP, who made recruiting a top challenger a priority. They have spared no expense going after Markey in a flurry of press releases, emails and robocalls -- attacking her more than any other first-term congresswoman. This is one of the most GOP-leaning districts held by a Democrat in Congress: Republicans have a 44,000-vote registration edge here, and voters chose McCain over Obama for president.
A courageous, hard-working leader
Markey is a moderate whose unique blend of business experience and political acumen appeals to mainstream voters eager for change. Before running for Congress, she developed the first computer security training program for the State Department, owned and operated two small businesses, and served as former U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar’s regional director. She’s a dynamic and hard-working leader, fighting in Congress to help small businesses secure capital and voting for historic energy legislation that will create green jobs in Colorado. Politico called her a “a pint-sized powerhouse” with a “hefty legislative agenda,” and the Fort Morgan Times praised her for making sure her rural constituents benefit from the federal economic stimulus package.
A Republican advocate for Big Oil
To challenge Markey in 2010, GOP leaders favor Cory Gardner, a conservative state representative who chaired Musgrave’s 2008 campaign. Gardner shares Musgrave’s far-right views on social issues: he sponsored a bill to ban abortion in Colorado and opposed a program that provided pap smears and cancer screening to low-income women. Gardner dismisses efforts to bring renewable energy development to Colorado in favor of more drilling for oil and gas. Considered “a rising star,” by national Republicans, Gardner raised more than $200,000 in just two months for his congressional campaign. Markey is counting on support from EMILY’s List members to raise the $3.5 million it will take to overcome Republican attacks and keep this seat in Democratic hands.
