US Rep Cory Gardner expected to make run for Udall's senate seat

U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., is congratulated by a supporter after during a Republican Party election night party. (AP file)

DENVER - U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner is expected to soon announce that he will run for Senate in an already crowded Republican field of candidates hoping to unseat U.S. Sen. Mark Udall in November.

A source close to the Gardner campaign said the congressman will announce in the coming days.

Gardner wasn't expected to leave the House early to run for higher office, but Udall is considered vulnerable by some in the GOP who have been eyeing the Democrat held seat.

Two El Paso County politicians - state Rep. Amy Stephens and state Sen. Owen Hill - have already announced that they would run for Udall's seat. Also in the race is Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck, who ran in 2010 against Sen. Michael Bennet.

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