Keyser was seen by the GOP's national leadership as a preferred candidate to take on Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet. "Jon is a combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and nothing will prevent him from holding Senator Michael Bennet accountable for his cowardice on matters of national security and economic security," said Keyser spokesman Matt Connelly. "Keyser was anointed by the same national Republicans who have spent years creating gridlock in Washington, and like a typical politician Keyser has refused to take positions on issues that matter to Colorado," state Democratic Party spokesman Chris Meagher responded in a statement.