Colorado is one of the most hotly-contested states in this year's presidential election, and newly-minted vice president candidate Paul Ryan is wasting no time introducing himself to residents of the state.

Just two days after Mitt Romney formally announced his running mate, Ryan is heading to the Denver area for a fundraiser and campaign rally. The fundraiser is scheduled for Monday night in Cherry Creek, while the rally will be held Tuesday at Lakewood High School at 9700 W. 8th Ave. It will be open to the public, and begins at 11 a.m.

The addition of Ryan to the race has energized the bases of both parties, with conservatives swooning over Ryan's strong stance on fiscal responsibility, and Democrats salivating over the chance to re-introduce the public to Ryan's controversial ideas on Medicare reform.

Prominent Colorado Democrats are planning to hold a news conference Monday attacking Ryan on his economic polices and record on women's issues. Polls indicate President Obama has a clear advantage over Romney when it comes to women.

In addition to Colorado, Ryan will also be making a campaign stop in Iowa Monday. Romney is campaigning separately in Florida and Ohio.