Watch CBS News

Hill Drops Senate Race, Backs Gardner

DENVER (AP) - The last major opponent to Rep. Cory Gardner is bowing out of the Republican Senate primary.

State Sen. Owen Hill on Monday told supporters he was stepping out of the race. That clears the field for Gardner to challenge Democrat Mark Udall.

Hill's departure was first reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette. Gardner shook up the campaign last month with his last-minute entry into the primary. Two other prominent Republicans immediately dropped out and endorsed the congressman. But Hill accused Gardner of cutting a "backroom deal" and vowed to stay in.

Now he says Gardner is the party's best chance to defeat Udall.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

More Campaign 2014 Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.