A year before the election, the national Republican Party is so worried about Bob Schaffer's weakness on national security that they are lying about Mark Udall's record to try and cover it up. The Republicans are so desperate they recently posted an attack ad on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFBpkmqkvYQ)wrongly suggesting Mark Udall voted for a bill that would delay action against a hypothetical terrorist plot.

The ad is a dishonest attack on substance because the legislation Mark Udall supports doesn't require a court's approval before the President can take action to prevent a terrorist plot; it requires judicial oversight that can be retroactive. A FISA Court's oversight should be required to ensure that wiretaps are appropriate and not abused by the executive branch, but no one is responsibly suggesting that in an emergency situation authorities could not move first and comply with judicial oversight later. Safety first. If the Republican leadership lies about the security of America, what won't they lie about?

This attempt to Swift-Boat Mark Udall is ironic because it's actually Bob Schaffer who has failed to support legislation that would make our nation safer. In fact shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Schaffer was one of only nine Representatives to vote against the Aviation Security Act, which, among other things, called for 100% inspection of checked bags, more law enforcement officers at U.S. airports and a federal takeover of air security.

Republicans in Washington are obviously embarrassed by a would-be candidate who refuses to take public positions on important issues. They can only distort facts and lie to promote the failed policies of this administration and Bob Schaffer, who remains deafeningly silent.

Mark Udall has proven record on national security. As a Member of the Armed Services Committee, Mark Udall has led the fight to keep us safe from terrorists, and to make sure that our troops have the equipment they need to fight terrorist's wherever they are. While Bob Schaffer has been standing on the sidelines, Mark Udall has been fighting to keep Colorado families safe. Like most Americans, Mark Udall supports oversight of a Bush Administration that has proven that it has no respect for Constitution, but lets be clear: he opposes requiring any kind of court action before authorities move to stop terrorist attacks or investigate terrorist plots.

With almost a year to go before Election Day we know exactly what kind of campaign Bob Schaffer is going to run. And now we know just how desperate he is to keep the truth about his record hidden from Colorado families.