Campaigns and super PACs halt political ads in Colorado after shooting

As a highly contested swing state, Colorado is typically overrun by political ads from campaigns and outside groups supporting them. But the tragic shooting Friday at a movie theater in Aurora is temporarily silencing much of the spending on ads in the state.

President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney announced Friday they will suspend their ad efforts in Colorado, and super PACs are planning to join them.

Priorities USA, a super PAC supporting Obama's re-election campaign, announced it will not run ads in Colorado for the time being.

"Priorities is suspending advertising in Colorado," said Priorities USA strategist Bill Burton. "Our prayers are with the victims of this horrible tragedy."

American Crossroads, a super PAC supporting Romney and other Republican candidates, is putting the brakes on a planned ad buy in Colorado. Part of a $9.3 million ad buy in nine states, American Crossroads intended to run a commercial defending Romney against attacks from Obama's campaign, but the ad will no longer run in Colorado.

"In moments of tragedy like the Aurora shooting, we all stand together as Americans and are reminded of the precious gifts of life, family and community that we share," said American Crossroads President Steven Law in a statement. "We pause to honor and pray for those whose lives have been tragically cut short, as well as those who must bear this terrible loss. And we give thanks for the powerful spirit of compassion and concern that unites us all in our country and reaches out to those who are in the crucible of suffering."