Betsy Markey Breaks Fundraising Record With $858,000 Third Quarter Haul

Colorado congresswoman Betsy Markey (CD-4) raised $858,000 in the third quarter of 2010, her campaign announced Monday. The incumbent Democrat has now raised $3.1 million, a record for a Colorado congressional race.

Markey, who rode the Democratic wave in 2008 to become the first Democrat since 1972 to represent Colorado's fourth district, is facing a tough reelection bid against Republican Cory Gardner. Her campaign has lately been dogged by reports that national Democratic leaders have quietly conceded the district.

Democratic leadership, as well as the Markey campaign have repeatedly denied these reports, pointing to a recent poll showing the Democrat within three points.

Gardner has not released his third quarter fundraising numbers, but he trailed in total money raised by nearly $1 million at the end of the second quarter. However, conservative political groups like the National Republican Congressional Committee and Americans for Prosperity have all run ads in the district. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also recently endorsed Gardner.

Emily's List has run ads attacking Gardner, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee still intends to spend some money in CD-4.