He criticized Rep. Salazar for voting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats on most issues, as well as for supporting the economic stimulus package, and for voting for President Obama’s health care reform package earlier this year. He called that bill “a job-killing, tax-increasing, bureaucracy-building behemoth that we simply can’t afford.”

His last minute pitch to Aspen voters didn't sway them, They voted 69% for Salazar. But the rest of the district is more conservative.

Tipton, a Colorado state legislator and pottery store owner, announced his candidacy last November, causing fellow Republican, Pitkin County DA, who had been in the race since May, to drop out.

Salazar wasn't the only one who discounted Tipton. When Tipton entered the race, Colorado Pols wrote, "

Interesting tidbit: Sarah Palin endorsed Tipton's opponent in the primary. She didn't endorse Tipton until Sept. 23. Between her late endorsement and voters rejecting her first choice at the primary, it's doubtful she had any effect. Karl Rove probably helped him more by holding a fundraiser for him.