Cory Gardner’s marijuana problem

A win for the influential industry could help the Colorado Republican on Election Day, but he's been striking out.

By Natalie Fertig

Republican senators have a common refrain when asked about cannabis policy: “Cory talked to me about it.”

Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner has emerged as a champion of the cannabis industry in a GOP-controlled chamber led by anti-marijuana hawks, most notably Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Gardner is also one of the most endangered Republican senators in the country. He's facing a difficult reelection — polling behind the likely Democratic nominee, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, in a state that’s trending increasingly blue.