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New Gardner ad makes his pitch to senior citizens

But votes against them, Udall says

DENVER – The latest ad from Republican U.S. Senate candidate Cory Gardner focuses on Social Security, Medicare and issues affecting seniors.

Standing with his grandmother, Betty, Gardner says she was part of a generation that built battleships.

“They called women like her ‘Rosie the Riveter,’” Gardner says in the 30-second spot. “My grandma’s generation built America.”

“We sure did,” replies Betty.

Gardner, a U.S. representative, is in a tough challenge against incumbent Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat who remains in a coin-flip race with Gardner.

Gardner goes on to say in the ad it is time to repay seniors and “save America for the next generation.”

“As your senator, I’ll make sure we honor every penny we promised today’s seniors,” he says, pointing to solvency for Medicare and Social Security.

The ad ends with Gardner’s grandmother saying, “And I’ll make sure my great grandchildren know.”

Gardner’s opponents point out Udall voted to strengthen Medicare by reducing payments to insurance companies and hospitals and using those savings to extend the life of the program.

Gardner also voted more than 50 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which aims to gradually close the so-called “donut hole” in prescription drug coverage under Medicare by addressing spiking costs of these drugs for seniors. Seniors already have taken advantage of millions of dollars in discounts under the new law.

Udall’s campaign also highlighted that Gardner voted for the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, which could result in massive cuts to Social Security.

Gardner also supported raising the retirement age.

“I watched that ad and was just incredulous because I think the nicest thing you can say about it is that he’s got, at best, a tenuous association with reality,” said James Owens, a Udall campaign spokesman. “But when you look at his vote record, he’s done nothing but undermine the commitment to Colorado seniors.”

pmarcus@durangoherald.com



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