GOP Senate hopefuls optimistic ahead of Colorado caucuses

DENVER (AP) — A crowded slate of Colorado Republicans launched their effort to defeat Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet with a surprising tone of optimism in their first and last forum before meeting voters.

Three additional candidates have filed candidacy paperwork with federal elections authorities, none with statewide name recognition.

The candidates talked about the need to cut government spending, shore up national defense and push for undoing the policies of President Barack Obama.

Republican caucus-goers won't choose Senate candidates, but they'll start picking delegates to the state GOP convention in April.