DENVER – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) singled out Betsy Markey as a strong Democratic challenger in a short interview with PolitickerCO.com today.

“In this state we believe we have an excellent opportunity. Betsy Markey is a wonderful candidate,” said Hoyer, who is here this week to attend the Democratic National Convention.

Markey, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Denver) is challenging three-term U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-Fort Collins) in what is widely seen as a hotly contested race. Politicker.com’s Pindell Report currently ranks the race as the 14th most competitive in the nation.

When it comes to the outlook for his party in House races this fall, meanwhile, Hoyer is betting outright that Democrats expand their majority big time.

“…I think we are going to pick up a substantial number of seats,” he said.