Denver Post delivers blow to Dems

The Denver Post endorsed Republican Rep. Mike Coffman for reelection on Thursday, delivering another blow to Colorado Democrats,

{mosads}The Post surprised many Colorado political observers last week when it endorsed another Republican, Rep. Cory Gardner, over Democratic Sen. Mark Udall.

Now it has endorsed Coffman over former Colorado Speaker Andrew Romanoff.

Udall picked up the Post‘s endorsement in 2008, and the paper had endorsed Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet in 2010 and President Obama in 2008 and 2012.

Its choice of Coffman is less of a surprise — he picked up the paper’s endorsement last cycle as well.

In its latest endorsement, the Post editorial board praises Coffman for his “open-mindedness” on cuts to military spending and tax reform, as well as his “retooled position on immigration,” now that he’s come around to reform offering a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

It also touts both Coffman and Romanoff as “men who take their work in public service seriously,” but the board knocks Romanoff for moving into the district just before he launched his bid for the seat.

“Coffman has been laboring in the trenches for the 6th District for years on such important work as a new VA hospital, whereas Romanoff didn’t even move into the district until last year. The congressman has earned another term,” the editorial board writes.

The two are locked in one of the tightest and most expensive House battles this cycle. Romanoff released an internal poll this week showing the race statistically tied.