DENVER - The rivals for an open seat in the U.S. Senate couldn't be more vintage Colorado: Democrat Ken Salazar comes from a fifth-generation ranching family in the San Luis Valley; Republican Pete Coors is an executive in a family brewing business synonymous with the Rockies' snowcapped peaks.
The similarities end there.
One of the most closely watched political races in the state's history has turned into a dogfight between two men who insist they could not be more different — on the war in Iraq (news - web sites), taxes, abortion, the death penalty. They even squabbled on national television about who started mudslinging first.
Behind all of it is a nationally funded campaign infused with negative TV ads to fill an open seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (news, bio, voting record).
Republicans hold a Senate majority of 51 to 48 and one independent. Colorado is among eight toss-up states that will determine whether they maintain, expand or lose that majority.
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