The advertisement paid for by the Colorado Democratic Party says state Sen. Marilyn Musgrave voted against two bills aimed at protecting nursing home residents. Matsunka, president of the Colorado Senate, and Gov. Bill Owens, a Republican, both supported the legislation, the ad says.

A Democratic Party spokeswoman defended the ad, saying records show Musgrave voted against the bills.

Matsunaka, from Loveland, and Musgrave, from Fort Morgan, are running in the 4th Congressional District, which covers most of northeastern Colorado and the eastern plains. Incumbent Bob Schaffer, a Republican, isn't seeking re-election.

State GOP Chairman Bruce Benson and the Colorado Health Care Association claimed the ad distorts Musgrave's record on nursing home reforms. Matsunaka is trying to "scare nursing home patients and their families," said Arlene Miles, the trade group's executive director.

Musgrave had an excused absence when the Colorado Senate voted on one bill, and she voted for the second measure, Benson said.

Benson said the state GOP called on Matsunaka and TV stations to quit running the ads. "This is the lowest form of campaigning and this is not the way we do business in Colorado," he said.

Matsunaka's campaign and the state Democratic Party said the Senate Journal, a record of the chamber's votes, shows Musgrave voted against both bills.

Democratic Party spokesman Cody Wertz said the record from May 4, 2001, shows that Musgrave voted against the final version of Senate Bill 78, nursing home regulations. She was excused earlier in the process when the legislation was approved and sent to the House, Wertz said.

Musgrave also voted against Senate Bill 71 on May 8 when the House amended the legislation and sent it back for final approval, Wertz said. The measure allowed a survey of nursing home residents on the quality of care.

"It seems like she's not on the side of seniors in nursing home issues. She's more on the side of nursing home owners and lobbyists," Wertz said.

A phone call to the GOP headquarters wasn't returned late Wednesday night.