He took great pains after his election to make overtures to Democrats, even those who vocally opposed him.
The 2nd district was made slightly more favorable to Democrats, but continues to favor Republicans.
"And a large percentage of them are going to people with strong political connections or who made big contributions to Democrats in the last election."
He had pulled the public records of political contributions that they made to Democrats and Republicans.
In redistricting, Colorado's 3rd congressional district was made slightly more favorable to Democrats.
The group was formed in part to offset the contributions the teachers' union had made to Democrats in the previous election.
He also plans to start a political action committee to pay for his travel expenses and help make contributions to other Democrats.
And these legal contributions are made to both Democrats and Republicans.
The two men worked the phones and at a closed-door party lunch made a last plea to fellow Democrats to stand with them.
In the end, Republicans made more concessions to Democrats than they were initially prepared to.