Andrew Romanoff’s effort to knock off incumbent U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet relies on a tricky combo: convincing enough Democratic primary voters in Colorado that Bennet is captive to corporate interests while raising enough money to compete on TV against Bennet’s bankroll.

Both angles were apparent at a Romanoff rally in Denver on July 19, though his remarks – and that of former state Sen. Ken Gordon – sound a little different given subsequent events.

“‘The reason I’m supporting Andrew is because he’s the only person in the race – Democrat or Republican – who’s not taking corporate money,’” said Gordon, recalling conversations with potential voters while walking precincts on Romanoff’s behalf.

Romanoff’s halo on that issue was tarnished in recent Politico stories about whether he would (if he won the primary) accept money from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which does receive corporate PAC money. Romanoff’s response showed the audacity of hope: “I vowed to ask the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) to exclude any PAC dollars from contributions or expenditures it makes on my behalf.” The DSCC reportedly has a carve-out for events at which President Obama appears by not accepting PAC donations.

During Romanoff’s remarks on July 19, he made a desperate and funny (or desperately funny?) plea for donations, noting that it costs $800, each time, to run a 30-second campaign TV ad.

“If you can contribute that much to this campaign tonight, we’ll name the ad after you,” he said.

Four days later, Romanoff sold his home in Washington Park as part of a loan to his campaign of $325,000.