Monday, November 26, 2007
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2008 Election Outlook: Colorado
This article is part of an ongoing series previewing the 2008 elections in each of the 50 states. We will be progressing through the states alphabetically by state postal abbreviation.
State: Colorado
Electoral Votes: 9
Federal Races
President: Once a traditional red state, Colorado has become purpler every presidential cycle. With the Democrats poised to hold their national convention in Denver in 2008, the state should become more encouraged to vote blue. George W. Bush won the state in 2000 and 2004 with 50% and 51%, respectively, Bob Dole won with 45% in 1996, and Bill Clinton won with 40% in 1992.
Senate: The nation’s eyes are on the open seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Wayne Allard. Considering the state’s bluer trends, Democrats are eying this seat as one of their most coveted pick-ups. Rep. Mark Udall (D) will likely square off against former Rep. Bob Schaffer (R), who lost the GOP nomination in the 2004 race for Senate. Both candidates have raised over $1.5 million dollars in what is expected to be a very expensive race.
CD-2: With Rep. Mark Udall (D) running for Senate, this seat is open for 2008. Considering the strong blue lean of the district, the candidate that wins the Democratic primary will likely win the general election.
I rate this race as a Likely Democratic.
CD-4: Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) always faces a tough Democratic challenger, so there’s no reason to assume that her 2008 race will be any easier. Musgrave won with only 45% of the vote in 2006. She will face Betsy Markey in the general election.
I rate this race as Leans Republican.
CD-6: Rep. Tom Tancredo, who is running for President in 2008, announced his retirement earlier this year. The district is strongly Republican so the winner of the primary will cruise to election in the general.
I rate this race as Likely Republican.
State Races
State Legislature:
Democrats hold a 40-25 advantage in the Colorado House of Representatives. Democrats hold a smaller advantage in the Senate, maintaining a 20-15 advantage.
Resources (not exhaustive):
www.thegreenpapers.com (Election Information)
www.uselectionatlas.org (Presidential)
www.dcpoliticalreport.com (Election Information)
www.cqpolitics.com (Election Information)
www.cookpolitical.com (Congressional Race Ratings)
rothenbergpoliticalreport.blogspot.com (Congressional Race Ratings)
Posted by D. Price
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