With Vice President Dick Cheney in Littleton Wednesday for a private fundraiser on behalf of U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, Democratic opponent Betsy Markey is trying to make some money off of the visit, too.

Markey's campaign sent out a fundraising e-mail Wednesday attempting to tie Musgrave to the unpopular Bush Administration.

Cheney's visit was anticipated to spark an outcry from liberals seeking to make such a connection. 

The full e-mail:

The past few days I asked for your financial support of my campaign and I was astounded by the response I received. Your support has been crucial to my success thus far, and I cannot thank you enough for continuing to stand with me this election year.

This morning I awoke to truly astounding news.

Have you heard who Marilyn Musgrave's special guest is at her fundraiser tonight? It's none other than Vice President Dick Cheney!

I wish I could say I was surprised by this news, but sadly I am not.

Unfortunately, this is just another loud and clear signal from Marilyn Musgrave that she continues to wholeheartedly endorse the disastrous policies of the Bush - Cheney administration, as she has for the past six years.

I know that you and I agree that we can do better than this.

Better than the Cheney-Musgrave politics that have led to the economic upheaval our nation faces today-high unemployment, a ballooning national debt, and an outrageous level of corporate welfare.

We cannot afford the continued fiscal irresponsibility that Dick Cheney and Marilyn Musgrave have perpetrated while holding office. We cannot afford to have our leaders in Washington so out of touch with our needs.

The era of big spending and fiscal irresponsibility in Washington must come to an end, and it there is no doubt in my mind, that with your continued support, that time will be now.

I am running for congress in order to bring an end to current era of fiscal irresponsibility that has taken over Washington, and bring fiscal common sense back to Washington.

A single event with Dick Cheney will bring thousands of dollars into Marilyn Musgrave's campaign. Dollars that will most certainly be used to distort and attack both my record and positions on the issues in ways that may very well make Karl Rove blush.

Dollars that will go towards making certain that the corrupt, status quo that has been present in Washington is maintained and strengthened.

That is why I am asking for your help now. While we may be unable to match dollar for dollar what Dick Cheney can provide Marilyn Musgrave, you are able to provide something much more valuable: the grassroots support of a citizen who cares about the future of their country.

If you believe, like I do, that it is time to move beyond the Cheney-Musgrave politics of the past, please forward this email to a friend who shares our vision for a better America.

Ask your friends to sign up for our emails and become involved with our campaign.

Together we can bring the change we all want to see in Washington.

Thank you once again for your support, it has been, and will continue to be invaluable.

Sincerely,

Betsy Markey

PS -

The era of big spending and fiscal irresponsibility in Washington must come to an end, and it there is no doubt in my mind, that with your continued support, that time will be now.

Ask your friends to join us.

We can no longer afford leaders who are so out of touch with needs of real people. Please forward this message to your friends and family who will join us. Ask them to sign up for our email updates and to get involved in our campaign!!!