Congressman Ed Perlmutter. Photos by Scot Kersgaard.

But can he beat incumbent Democrat Ed Perlmutter in the 7th Congressional District? Polling indicates it will be close.

Perlmutter holds a seat that even if he wins re-election again may always be coveted by Republicans.

Things have been testy, with Frazier saying Perlmutter is too liberal, and Perlmutter saying Frazier is a hypocrite who doesn’t deserve re-election to the Aurora City Council, let alone a seat in Congress.

Frazier is known for missing meetings– both at the Aurora City Council and on the board of the High Point Academy charter school he helped found. His board mates in both places say it isn’t a big deal. Former Congressman Bob Beauprez famously said during the primary — where he endorsed Sias — that Frazier needed to be fired, not promoted. Beauprez now backs Frazier.

Ryan Frazier

The two have also sparred over energy policy and social issues.

From Perlmutter’s web site:

As the father of three daughters, I understand the unique, personal and sometimes difficult health decisions women have to make, particularly in the area of reproductive choice. I do not believe government should be involved in a woman’s reproductive health decisions, and these medical decisions should be between a woman and her doctor. However, I support efforts, including abstinence education, to inform people and reduce unintended pregnancies.

From Frazier’s web site:

As the co-founder of a public charter school, I’ve worked tirelessly to make education a priority in my community for years. I strongly believe that education is one of the most important social and economic issues our country faces today. Our world is changing rapidly and more of our students are finding themselves unprepared to enter the global marketplace as test scores, graduation rates and basic skills have all suffered despite more money being spent in the system.

U.S.Rep. Ed Perlmutter launches his first television ad today. The ad shows the 7th District Democratic congressman sitting at a folding table at a local grocery store, chatting with whoever walks up.

Perlmutter has held more than 50 of these meetings since taking office in 2007

“From credit card company abuses to foreign policy and new energy efficiency ideas to help for small businesses, I’ve listened to my neighbors and constituents talk about the real issues they face every day. And I’ve taken action. From these meetings, I helped Big Papa’s Barbecue get the loan they needed to expand and hire 40 new workers, and I got ideas for legislation to stop credit card companies from abusive practices and to help improve energy efficiency practices in housing. These sessions give me a chance to meet with people in their setting and listen,” said Perlmutter in a press release.

Perlmutter is being challenged by Republican Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier.

The ad:

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The Magellan Strategies auto dial poll of 830 likely general election voters in the 7th CD found that Frazier was one point ahead of Perlmutter, 40 percent to 39 percent, well within the 3.4 percent margin of error.

The poll, which was politically balanced based on past election results, has been criticized for placing the election question so far into the polling sequence as it could have been biased by other questions surrounding Nancy Pelosi, Barack Obama and health care reform.

The poll asked likely voters’ opinion of Pelosi, 60 percent whom had an unfavorable opinion, directly before asking if they thought Perlmutter was doing a good job in Congress. It further asked opinions of Obama’s performance as president before asking those polled if they would vote in favor of Perlmutter or Frazier. The poll did not ask questions about other Republican lawmakers.

The poll found that in a generic contest of candidates, 45 percent would vote Republican, with 39 percent voting for the Democratic ticket. It also found that 65 percent of voters said America is on the wrong track.

While those numbers don’t sound good for Perlmutter, one stat tends to suggest that the statistics are preliminary. The poll showed that while 97 percent of respondents knew who Perlmutter was, 40 percent had never heard of Frazier.

It also showed that of those who had heard of the candidates, 39 percent had an unfavorable opinion of Perlmutter, with 37 percent favorable and 20 percent having no opinion. Likewise, Frazier had some room to grow: 22 percent had a favorable rating of the candidate, with 11 percent unfavorable and 27 percent having no opinion.

If the statistics are true, both campaigns have their work cut out for them painting a picture of who Aurora City Councilman Frazier and incumbent Congressman Perlmutter are.

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Ryan Frazier

The Colorado Independent called every current member of the council to see what they thought. Of those reached, none thought Frazier’s attendance — or lack thereof — was a problem, and all supported his bid for Congress after he handily won last week’s primary. All but one said they were Republicans as well.

“I guess he has missed some meetings,” said Councilman Bob Broom. “I’m not sure it’s a problem, though. I think he will be a good congressman. He’s obviously very smart. He’s a quick study on issues.”

Broom said Frazier “is a friend of mine,” but noted he doesn’t like to get involved in other people’s campaigns.

Councilwoman Marsha Berzins, who would not divulge her party affiliation, said Frazier usually has a good reason when he misses a meeting and often calls in to be on speakerphone so that he can be part of the discussion. “If I thought he was out goofing off, that would be different,” she said.

She thinks Frazier would be a good congressman. “He cares about the community and he works hard. I know him, and I know his work ethic. I don’t know the other person [incumbent CD7 Democrat Ed Perlmutter],” she said.

“I’m not going to say anything about his attendance,” said Councilwoman Sue Sandstrom. “I think he will be a great congressman. He’s a good solid conservative. He cares a lot about people. I’ve been very impressed with Ryan.”

“His attendance has not been a big problem,” said Councilman Brad Pierce. “He probably missed a few more than some people, but so what?”

Pierce said Frazier would bring a conservative viewpoint to Congress and would do a good job of representing the people of the 7th District.

“He really tries to look out for small businesses and would try to cut red tape and make the government less cumbersome for businesses. He would bring a small business perspective to Congress that is needed today,” he said.

Councilwoman Molly Markert, who declined to say which political party she favored, said she wouldn’t comment for this story “because I have to continue to work with Ryan.”

According to Frazier’s campaign website, he is a “business partner in a small information technology business, Takara Systems.” When the Colorado Independent called the phone number listed at the company’s website, it was disconnected.

Frazier did not return calls and emails left at his council office, his home and his campaign. “What you point out is true, I’ve missed some meetings,” Frazier told the Denver Post when the paper first revealed his council attendance record in May. “I’ve had to work to provide for my family.”

Perlmutter campaign communications director Leslie Oliver said, “Frazier’s attendance record speaks for itself. He has missed some critical votes. Former 7th CD [Republican] Congressman Bob Beauprez said it best, Frazier ‘ought to be fired, not promoted.’”

It’s the fifth time Perlmutter has used the technology to talk with thousands of constituents simultaneously. Roughly 50,000 residents of Perlmutter’s suburban Denver district will be getting calls and can participate by pressing some buttons on their phone.

A few months ago, Perlmutter spoke with a more than 2,500 constituents at one time during a telephone town hall on federal stimulus legislation. In December, Perlmutter discussed the financial crisis and bail-out efforts.

Markey’s office will be sending out calls for constituents to join the town hall but is also allowing constituents to call in on their own. District residents can call 1-888-356-3090 and enter passcode 12365.

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter is holding a telephone town hall to discuss energy and climate-change proposals before Congress from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday night. It’s the fifth time the Golden Democrat has used the technology to talk with thousands of constituents simultaneously.

Before the town hall, Perlmutter’s office sent e-mails to 10,000 constituents in the 7th Congressional District letting them know they’d be getting a call and could participate by pressing some buttons on their phone. Another 40,000 phones in the suburban Denver district will also get calls.

We’ll be live-blogging the town hall, which should include remarks from Perlmutter, several instant polls asking listeners to make selections on their keypads, and then a question-and-answer session. In February, Perlmutter spoke with a more than 2,500 constituents at one time during a telephone town hall on federal stimulus legislation. In December, Perlmutter discussed the financial crisis and bail-out efforts.

Stay tuned — we’ll be blogging live at 7 p.m.

7:04 p.m. - Bad news for the 50,000 constituents waiting by their phones. Perlmutter’s spokeswoman just sent out an e-mail saying the telephone town hall won’t be happening Wednesday night “due to votes on the House floor.” Unknown when it will be rescheduled.

We’ll be live-blogging the town hall, which should include remarks from Perlmutter, several instant polls asking listeners to make selections on their keypads, and then a question-and-answer session. In December, Perlmutter spoke with a record 3,000 constituents at one time during a telephone town hall on the financial crisis and bail-out efforts.

Stay tuned — we’ll be blogging live at 7 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - It’s a snowy night in Colorado’s 7th Congressional District (in fact, across the Denver metro area), so plenty of folks should be home in front of their telephones.

Perlmutter is welcoming participants. The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be a main topic tonight, as well as other questions about the economy, including the bank bailout measures unveiled today by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner.

The United States has to focus on jobs, Perlmutter says, because there has been tremendous job loss since September and it’s been accelerating in the last three months. The stimulus bill passed the House last week, the Senate passed its version today. Three members from each chamber will negotiate a compromise and send it to President Barack Obama.

Major elements to stimulus: first, construction, including new energy grid. Second, research, development and manufacturing designed to create “new energy economy. Third, assisting states by “backfilling” revenue shortfalls because of job losses — maintain jobs for teachers, firefighters, etc. Fourth, significant tax cuts for middle-income individuals and small businesses. Fifth, immediate assistance with Medicaid, unemployment insurance and, potentially, food stamps. Purpose is to revitalize economy, build jobs.

Major difference between House and Senate version: House bill has $16 billion to reconstruct schools, $6 billion to build higher-ed campus, $79 billion to state. Senate cuts all funding for K-12 school construction, reduces by $40 billion the money that would go to states. Senate bill adds tax credits, including $15,000 tax credit for new-home purchase, and adds budget to build new Veterans Administration hospitals. This could help plans to build new VA hospital at Fitzsimons in Aurora.

Congress is also working on bank capitalization bill so banks can operate, credit can flow. Effort is intended to make federal funding of banks “transparent” and make sure the funding turns into loans available to customers.

7:13 p.m. - A poll question. “Do you believe measures taken by Congress recently to restore financia stability are sufficient to turn the economy around?”

1. yes, sufficient
2. no, more will be required
3. government shouldn’t spend tax dollars on stimulus

7:15 p.m - The questions begin. A man wants to know about jobs. NAFTA promised jobs and didn’t deliver. We’re not on a level playing field with other countries. Also, will jobs created go to American citizens.

Perlmutter: All the jobs are in the United States. For instance, an interchange at Colfax and I-225 to go into Fitzsimons. Under the House version, U.S. citizens and legal immigrants — not undocumented workers — are the only ones who can work on these projects. The purpose is to get Americans working, keep them in jobs to avoid further layoffs. Colorado is in a better position than most states to come out of recession, including new-energy investments already in place.

There are roughly 1,600 phones on the call, Perlmutter announces.

7:18 p.m. - Results of the first poll:

“Do you believe measures taken by Congress recently to restore financia stability are sufficient to turn the economy around?”

1. yes, sufficient – 24 percent
2. no, more will be required – 41 percent
3. government shouldn’t spend tax dollars on stimulus – 35 percent

7:19 p.m. - Some technical difficulty connecting those with questions. Two in the queue get dropped. Time for another poll question while the kinks iron out.

“From what you’ve heard, what are your biggest concerns about the stimulus package?”

1. Too much spending, not enough tax cuts
2. Not learge enough to make a difference
3. Too many tax cuts, not enough investment
4. Will increase deficit too much

7:21 p.m. - A man from Lakewood gets through but has “more of a comment” than a question. He’s been talking to customers and they are concerned government work is finite. Entrepreneurs create jobs — why aren’t there more tax cuts going to the people who “handle the business of America?” Second, he hopes efforts to “get away from foreign oil” includes drilling.

Perlmutter: Tax cuts have stimulative effect if an economy is moving along. But there’s been a “tremendous contraction” in the private sector, businesses and consumers are “pulling in their horns.” Everybody’s stopped spending for a number of reasons, so government needs to “jolt the economy” to create jobs, restore confidence the economy will move ahead. The goal isn’t to have the government prop up the economy, it’s to get it going again so business can carry its share.

More Perlmutter: Has to be a “full menu” of energy sources, including oil and gas, more efficient coal, solar, wind, biothermal, and “in some cases” nuclear. This will also restore more stable balance of payments so money isn’t flowing overseas.

7:25 p.m. - Answers to the most recent poll question.

“From what you’ve heard, what are your biggest concerns about the stimulus package?”

1. Too much spending, not enough tax cuts – 26 percent
2. Not learge enough to make a difference – 10 percent
3. Too many tax cuts, not enough investment – 21 percent
4. Will increase deficit too much – 43 percent

7:27 p.m. - Dropped another question. An Aurora man who works in information technology wants to know about closing tax loopholes for companies that send work offshore.

Perlmutter: This is the second time in two days he’s heard about a local IT company sending jobs overseas. The bill includes a plan to create electronic medical records, which will help the IT industry. The smart grid proposal is based on software to conserve energy use — “some $4 billion” — and Colorado is well positioned to take care of that. The bill is designed to create jobs in the United States, and some other bills will address the question of tax havens for jobs moved offshore.

7:31 p.m. - A man from Aurora wants to know how we’re defining “middle class” in this bill.

Perlmutter: Lots of work to construction workers, both skilled and unskilled. Big part of bill upgrades multifamily housing through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Money to upgrade 500,000 houses for energy efficiency. Construction rebuilding roads, transit and electrical grid are also good jobs. State government jobs will also be funded. Tax credits are for people earning $100,000 or less — perhaps $150,000 for couples. Small businesses also get tax credits, including the chance to carry back a loss this year against profits in prior years.

7:34 p.m. - A woman calling from Applewood — Perlmutter’s neighborhood — wants to know about professors and students at colleges and trade schools. “There doesn’t seem to be any value in the research” coming out of higher ed. She is cut off mid sentence so Perlmutter starts his answer.

Perlmutter: There is Pell Grant funding for students, and state funding could go to — this is a familiar litany — teachers, firefighters, police officers — and could pay college instructors too. New energy research should also flow to higher ed, especially in Colorado. Lots of money for science, including research funding for the Centers for Disease Control.

7:38 p.m. - A man from Arvada who works in the energy business says the “rig count” has dropped from 2,000 in September to 1,300 drilling for oil and gas. The government is creating a problem — Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is “dropping the rigs” in Utah and offshore, and this will damage the economy.

Perlmutter: As a young lawyer in the ’80s, the congressman cut his teeth on bankruptcy law with oil and gas companies after the boom-and-bust following the oil crisis at the end of the 1970s. Most of the oil and gas production, and renewable energy research, was wiped out. Lately oil and gas prices have had a dramatic spike, which hurt lots of industries. The price has dropped again and it’s going to “wipe out” domestic energy production. We’ve seen this before — it’s not economic to drill wells and it’s not economic to do renewable energy research at these low oil prices. We have to develop a way to not be at the whim of the Middle East when they raise or lower prices dramatically.

7:42 p.m. - A Lakewood woman wants to know how the HUD money is structured in the bill.

Perlmutter: There are grants to public housing authorities, and Neighborhood Stabilization, a plan to buy up and rehab vacant or foreclosed homes so those homes don’t become a blight on neighborhoods.

7:45 p.m. - Another poll question. “Out of options, in what way has the economic downturn affected you the most?”

1. Home foreclosure
2. You or someone you know has faced a job loss
3. You or someone you know has debt or inability to access credit
4. You or someone you know has inability to pay health care costs
5. You or someone you know has inability to pay education costs

7:46 p.m. - A woman from Aurora has a question about foreclosure problems. She’s excited about the $15,000 credit for homebuyers. She’s heard credit scores have to be better these days. Not really a question, so Perlmutter jumps in.

Perlmutter: The homebuyer tax credit will “get the housing market stirring again.” Credit scores of 700 and up should qualify for home loans. But credit is loosening up a little bit. Credit in big investment banks has caused more of the credit crunch than bankers. Congress is demanding they start extending credit, but not in a “foolhardy way.”

7:50 p.m. – About 500 people on the call now, 2,700 at any given time.

Answers to the last poll queestion, “Out of options, in what way has the economic downturn affected you the most?”

1. Home foreclosure – 7 percent
2. You or someone you know has faced a job loss – 43 percent
3. You or someone you know has debt or inability to access credit – 15 percent
4. You or someone you know has inability to pay health care costs – 23 percent
5. You or someone you know has inability to pay education costs – 12 percent

7:51 p.m. - A man from Lakewood wants to know how much stimulus will go to Fastracks to construct the light rail lines heading through Lakewood to Golden.

Perlmutter: A lot. RTD and Fastracks is further along than others across the country so should get a good share. RTD was just awarded $308 million, the West line is moving ahead. The rest of the funding should help other lines. RTD has been in a double bind — when revenues were strong, construction costs were high; now that revenues have fallen, so has RTD income from sales tax.

7:54 p.m. - An Arvada man hopes Perlmutter hasn’t missed his dinner. Probably get a hamburger after this is over, the congressman says. His question: What’s the effect on small business when construction contracts — for highways, larger projects — are awarded? Restrictions on government contracting set a high threshold with bonding, insurance requirements, so how will the money go to mainstream businesses and not just the largest companies?

Perlmutter: The multifamily upgrades lend themselves to smaller contractors. All business should have a chance to compete. Some projects will be too small for major contractors, and there could be an opportunity for subcontracting. There are preferences for veterans and other things like that. Promises to do what he can to make sure it’s available to smaller contracters and not just “loaded up for the big guys.” Says he has to do his homework.

7:58 p.m. – Total attendance 2,741 tonight, about 400 people on the call and 30 questions waiting. After the call, callers can leave their questions in a voice mail system and Perlmutter’s staff will call back with answers in the next couple days.

7:59 p.m. - A Lakewood woman whose connection dropped earlier gets another chance. She’s heard banks have a market-share fee and real estate agents plan to become banks. How do we keep people from undermining what we’re trying to do?

Perlmutter: Not sure he knows what she’s talking about. Bigger problem though, as money flows into economy and restores confidence, how do we prevent fraud, even negligence? Laws are in place to regulate mortgage brokers, banks, credit unions. Bigger problem has been with giant banks in New York, our local banks have been doing “a pretty good job.” Have to make sure mortgage brokers aren’t “con men” or issuing “phony loans.” Regulators will keep an eye on this.

8:02 p.m. - Winding things down. The next Government at the Grocery, where Perlmutter talks to constituents in an informal setting, is 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 28 at the King Soopers, 4850 E. 62nd Ave., in Commerce City. “It’s a time were we’ve all got to pull together,” Perlmutter says. His sleeves are rolled up.

UPDATED: Perlmutter posted the audio from his telephone town hall to his congressional Web site Tuesday afternoon.