7th Congressional District hopeful Ed Perlmutter is getting a helping hand today from John Kerry.

Kerry's schedule Friday includes a private fundraising reception for Perlmutter at the home of Brooke and M.J. Banbury in LoDo. Co-hosts are paying a suggested contribution of $1,000, with others expected to contribute $500 at the door.

The 7th District seat, being vacated by Bob Beauprez, is said to be one of the most competitive races in the country. Also in the running for the Democratic nomination: Former state legislator Peggy Lamm and Herb Rubenstein. Why is Kerry flying in to stump for Perlmutter? I suspect the fact that Perlmutter helped lead Kerry's Colorado presidential campaign has something to do with it.