Sen. Mark Udall deserves our vote for re-election. Mark has consistently focused on many issues important to Coloradans. Udall’s opponent, Rep. Cory Gardner, has some troubling views. Especially radical are his ideas on reproductive health.

Gardner supported two recent attempts for a “personhood” amendment to the Colorado Constitution. While serving in the current U.S. House of Representatives, he co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act that would be a national version of personhood. Colorado voters have not been kind to personhood, having twice rejected these amendments by three-to-one margins.

Now that Gardner is running for state-wide office, he claims that he didn’t understand that a personhood law would ban several popular forms of birth control. In fact, he now advocates selling contraceptives over-the-counter! Gardner has not, however, withdrawn his co-sponsorship of the national Life at Conception Act.

The birth-control methods in question have been around for many years. Most adults have a pretty good idea how they work. It is hard to believe that Rep. Gardner is really that naïve about contraception.

More importantly, personhood is an absolute position. People form heart-felt opinions on this passionate topic very quickly, then stick by their beliefs. It is appalling that Gardner is throwing his personhood supporters under the bus, so he could appeal to the more numerous moderate voters.

Mark Udall has maintained consistent positions on health care and pro-choice reproductive health. Remember, U.S. senators are elected for six-year terms. Please consider both candidates’ positions carefully, then re-elect Sen. Udall.

Richard C. Pratt

Durango