In a new poll commissioned by the Economic Development Council of Colorado, Rep. Mark Udall (D) and former Rep. Bob Schaffer (R) are virtually tied in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Wayne Allard (R).

Udall leads with 36% of the vote, and Schaffer follows closely with 35%, well within the poll's 4.4% margin of error. Another 21% of respondents remained undecided, and 9% are hoping that someone else will join the race.

Schaffer's campaign is touting the poll as evidence that Udall should not be considered the front runner, despite recent Democratic successes throughout the state. "It's like a cold bucket of water in the faces of Democrats," said Schaffer consultant Walt Klein. "This state has not turned blue. It's still purple."