Colorado attorney general Ken Salazar won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday. He will face Republican Pete Coors, of the Coors Brewing Company, who won his party's primary yesterday.

The two candidates will battle for the seat being vacated by Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R). The only American Indian in the Senate is retiring after more than 20 years of public service.

Observers expect the race between Salazar and Coors to be costly and extremely heated. It is one of several races drawing attention because it could decide which party controls the Senate.

Colorado has two federally recognized tribes. Salazar has worked with the tribes as attorney general for the past eight years. He defended Interior Secretary Gale Norton, his predecessor as attorney general, during her confirmation fight.

Get the Story:
It's Coors vs. Salazar (The Denver Post 8/11)