The open Senate seat in Colorado remains one of the most competitive races in the country, a recent poll suggests. Rasmussen released a poll last week that showed the two top candidates, Democratic Rep. Mark Udall and former Republican Rep. Bob Schaffer, statistically tied.

The poll showed Schaffer with 44 percent to Udall's 43 percent. A Rasmussen poll in November offered a similar outcome, with Schaffer garnering 42 percent to Udall's 41 percent.

This seat has been open for more than a year--longer than any other--after Republican Senator Wayne Allard became the first incumbent of the cycle to announce his retirement in January 2007. Both parties avoided the possibility of divisive primaries when prospective challengers dropped out of the race in deference to Udall and Schaffer.

Both candidates have already raised large sums of money and appear ready to go the distance in what will be a long general election campaign. Udall reported spending $1.4 million through the end of 2007, and still had $3.6 million cash on hand. Schaffer spent about half that amount through the end of the year, and reported having some $1.5 million cash on hand.

In a recent interview with Real Clear Politics, NRSC Chair John Ensign expressed optimism for Schaffer's chances, despite the Democratic Party's recent gains in state elections and President Bush's declining numbers between 2000 and 2004. These numbers explain Democrats' view of this seat as a top pick-up opportunity.

-- Kyle Trygstad