John Hickenlooper and President Donald Trump took to Twitter to trade barbs over the Coloradan’s entry into the U.S. Senate race, with Trump hinting that Hickenlooper may have trouble making it to the 2020 general election.

“.@SenCoryGardner has done a fantastic job representing the people of Colorado,” Trump tweeted late Thursday. “He really knows how to win. Strong on Crime, Borders & the 2nd A, Cory fights hard for our Military & Vets. John Hickenlooper is badly damaged after his horrible run for President. Big Primary trouble!”

On the latter point if nothing else, the president may find agreement among at least some of the 11 Democrats already in the Senate race before Hickenlooper’s entry this week after ending his stalled presidential bid. Many are grumbling about Hickenlooper’s late entry into the race.

Friday morning, the former Colorado governor and Denver mayor fired back.

“.@realDonaldTrump wasted no time last night attacking me and defending his rubber stamp, Cory Gardner,” Hickenlooper tweeted. “Will you chip in now and help me hold them accountable?”

Hickenlooper’s campaign is betting that Trump’s support of Gardner might not play so well in Colorado, which just voted heavily Democratic in the 2018 election and where Trump’s approval ratings are in the cellar in recent polls, including an Emerson College survey released Aug. 20 showing 54% of Colorado voters disapproving of Trump and 39% approving.

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