Vulnerable Republican promises push-ups for campaign dollars

Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) is offering an usual trade for potential donors: a push-up for every dollar contributed.

“I will do a pushup for every dollar this email raises and I will complete them all before this quarter ends,” the congressman, one of the Republicans’ most vulnerable this cycle, pledged in a fundraising email sent on Monday.

{mosads}The email subject line urges supporters to “push-up Coffman and push-out [House Minority Leader Nancy] Pelosi [D-Calif.],” and the congressman describes himself as an essential target for Democrats looking to take back the majority.

He also suggests he’s ready for the fight — and for the push-ups.

“As a Marine Corps and Army veteran I’ve done my share of pushups over my military career and I’ve kept up the habit since leaving the military,” Coffman wrote.

Coffman adds that supporters can help keep him “in fighting shape” by contributing $25, $50 or $100 to his campaign before the Dec. 31 deadline.

The Aurora-area congressman is one of Democrats’ biggest targets this cycle, as redistricting has made Colorado’s 6th Congressional District more favorable to Democrats.

Coffman is expected to face former Colorado House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in November and has already been the subject of attacks by major Democratic groups.

And while Coffman has kept up a strong fundraising pace, with more than $1.2 million in the bank at the end of October, Romanoff has exceeded him, with about $1.3 million cash on hand at the end of the third quarter.

Romanoff raised more money than Coffman the past two fundraising quarters, and observers will be watching to see if the Democrat can again exceed the incumbent.