Don Ytterberg

Good news for Republican Don Ytterberg, who has the unenviable task of trying to knock off Democratic powerhouse Ed Perlmutter: Libertarian Tyler Bagley has withdrawn from 7th Congressional District race and endorsed him.

Understanding this race is so close, I am honored to support Don Ytterberg, Bagley said, in a news release. I believe his small business background and common sense solutions will benefit Colorado families. I ask third party and swing voters to support Don Ytterberg for Congress.

Libertarians in recent years have been blamed for costing Republicans close state Senate races in Jefferson County and El Paso County.

After analyzing Dons agenda and meeting with him, it became apparent that we agree on most matters of importance to the people of Adams and Jefferson counties, Bagley said. Im confident Don Ytterberg will improve things for District Seven.

Democrat Ed Perlmutter has represented the 7th Congressional District since taking office in January 2007. (Matthew Jonas/Longmont Times-Call)

But knocking off Perlmutter, a lifelong resident of CD 7 and a former state senator, is a formidable task, even in what is expected to be a Republican wave year and without a Libertarian.

Perlmutters been able to handily disarm opponents such as Joe Coors of the Coors family and Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier, deemed an up and comer in the GOP. Perlmutters strength at the top of the ticket has been credited with helping Jefferson County Democrats win legislative seats.

Still, Republicans are optimistic.

This is a race to watch, said Ytterbergs campaign manager, Phil Kelly. People are really frustrated with Congress and are looking for fresh faces and better options. Don Ytterberg is a man people like and can trust. He is a man of action who has a history of working to defend private interests from public intrusion.

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Libertarian drops out, endorses Republican in race to unseat Rep. Ed Perlmutter