Tea Party breakup: Buck dumps Maes

GOP Senate hopeful Ken Buck tossed gubernatorial hopeful Dan Maes overboard as calls got louder for Maes to make way for another Republican.

Buck and Maes share the support of Tea Party loyalists and have supported each other since the August primary. But facing a tough race against incumbent Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, Buck decided drop his support of Maes' floundering cause.

"After having a lengthy conversation with Dan Maes, it is clear to me that Dan is struggling to determine the best path for his campaign, his family and for Colorado," Buck said in a statement.  "I have decided that I can no longer support his candidacy for governor of Colorado."

The Buck move brought pressure against Maes to a new high as Republican leaders work to push him off the November ballot before a deadline this afternoon. GOP leaders have said Maes has no chance of beating Denver Mayor John Hickelooper, the Democratic nominee, in the governor's race.

Maes has pledged to stick it out.