This year, the Coloradoan editorial board will not be endorsing a Senate candidate because Rep. Cory Gardner declined to participate in an editorial board meeting. Gardner, a Republican, had scheduled a meeting, canceled it and his team representative said he would reschedule. But emails and phone calls were left unanswered. We encourage voters to eschew the TV ads and research Gardner’s stand on issues and votes in the U.S. House to better understand if he should represent Colorado.

Incumbent Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat, did visit the editorial board. His answers were direct and forthright, except for his weak justification of continuing abortion attack ads. He chose to blame Gardner.

His emphasis on protecting the middle class by supporting Pell grants and wage equality for women is on target. So, too, is his call for strong, unified action against ISIL. Udall said there are no active threats against the United States, but he wants to see the U.S. support Syrian moderates to fend off ISIL terrorists. Udall’s efforts to reduce train noise and increase firefighting aircraft in Colorado are appreciated.