Face The State Staff Report
With the 2008 state legislative session now heading for its place in the history books, Colorado heads full force toward election season.
At Face The State, we will be providing an up-to-the minute analysis of the hottest races you'll want to be watching. You'll get the chance to know the players, how much cash they have on hand, and how they stack up against their opposition. Have an idea for an election profile? Let us know. Email us at newstips@FaceTheState.com.
TOP RACES TO WATCH (listed in numerical order):
Senate District 8
In 2004, this was one of Colorado's six most hotly contested Senate races. While Dems poured tens of thousands into attempting to take down the popular Sen. Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat, they were unsuccessful. We like to think of Taylor as Colorado's very own Fred Thompson (who campaigned for U.S. Senate by trekking around Tennessee in his red pickup). Taylor prevailed in this massive western Colorado district after logging 25,000 miles in his yellow pickup, often pulling over at night to sleep. Now term-limited, Taylor is hoping to pass the reigns to fellow Republican Al White, well known or his devotion to protecting property rights and who currently represents much of the same region in the state House. White will face Democrat activist Ken Brenner, a former Steamboat Springs City Council president. We particularly enjoyed Brenner's YouTube video, where he tells viewers "you need a candidate who lives here." Wow, that's deep.
Registration: Republican 36.97%; Democrat 24.11%; Unaffiliated 38.32%
Cash on Hand: White $51,349.20; Brenner $19,741.92
Senate District 14
Like Senate District 8, this was one of Colorado's most competitive races in 2004. Democrat Sen. Bob Bacon, D-Ft. Collins, shocked onlookers when he took out popular Republican and former Ft. Collins Mayor Ray Martinez. Third party money played a huge role with Bacon's "friends" pumping hundreds of thousands into TV advertisements. The Poudre Valley Education Association, a teachers' union got slapped with a lawsuit, currently pending before the Colorado Supreme Court, where a coalition of parents alleged that the union illegally coordinated with Bacon's campaign. On to 2008: This November, Republican Matt Fries has been building momentum and popularity since his near win for Ft. Collins City Council last year. He’ll give incumbent Bacon a run for his money. Or should we say the unions' money?
Senate District 16
After 2002's reapportionment, this seat was designed to remain competitive. As history has shown, however, Republicans have had a tough time gaining ground in this multi-county suburban and mountain district west of Denver. Held by Joan Fitz-Gerald, Colorado's first female Senate President, until she announced her current candidacy in 2007 for Colorado's second congressional district, the seat is now in the hands of Democrat Sen. Dan Gibbs, D-Golden. While Fitz-Gerald was a well-known and polarizing figure, Gibbs - appointed by a vacancy committee - has not been able to generate the same level of attention. He remains suseptible for a challenge by successful businessman Dan Ytterberg, who insiders suspect has the funds to make this a competitive race.
Senate District 17
When most people think Boulder, they think a Republican can't win, but SD 17 is winnable for the right Republican because this district encompasses more conservative elements of eastern Boulder County, including Lafayette, Erie, Louisville, and Longmont. Democrat Sen. Brandon Shaffer, D-Longmont, took the seat in 2004 during that year's bloodbath for the GOP. In that race, Shaffer faced Sandy Hume, a well-liked moderate who failed to gain ground in the general election because of flat fundraising and weak grassroots ground game. Today, Shaffer faces criticism that he's merely using this seat as a stepping stone for higher office. Shortly after taking office in 2005, he announced that he would run for the state's 4th congressional district, later backing down after he faced tougher than expected primary competition from Angie Paccione - who gave Republican incumbent Marilyn Musgrave a real run for her money. This go around in SD 17, Republican Katie Witt is hoping to take the seat back for the GOP. The decisive difference between the two: Shaffer has been a strong voice for juvenille justice reform; meanwhile Witt is campaigning on strengthening laws against sex offenders and other criminals.
Senate District 19
Union Steward Sen. Sue Windels, D-Arvada, is term-limited and her exit is making way for a fiercely competitive race in this competitive district. Democrat Evie Hudak, a well known union activist, will have to answer to voters about her frivolous expenses in her current position on the State Board of Education. Hudak faces Republican businesswoman Libby Szabo, a long-time GOP activist, no stranger to campaign activism. In 2004, Windels and union 527 committees outspent Republican Jessica Corry four-to-one. They'll likely have to make a similar investment if they hope to prevail over the personable Szabo.
Senate District 21
This Lakewood district is all scandal, all the time. Most recently, incumbent Democrat Sen. Betty Boyd, D-Lakewood, was appointed in 2006 to replace Deanna Hanna, who resigned amidst ethics complaints arising from Hanna's request for "reparations" from lobbyists who endorsed her 2004 opponent, Tori Merritts. Boyd is being forced to defend her seat for the second election cycle, this time against Republican Vicki Stack, a well-respected property rights advocate and business woman. Like in its neighboring district to the north, SD 19, Dems here have come to depend on union money. Stack will benefit from grassroots support, and with growing concerns over eminent domain abuse at the hands of RTD light rail expansion, she may just have what it takes to take her over the top.
Senate District 23
Incumbent Sen. Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, who easily won election in 2004, currently holds this swing seat. Joe Whitcomb, an Army veteran, will have to connect with voters after having only recently moved to Colorado to start law school at the University of Denver in 2005. This district, which includes Weld and Broomfield counties, is about as diverse as they come. While Mitchell's strong social conservative positions may irritate some moderates and independent voters, Whitcomb may annoy them with hard-left positions on everything from gay marriage and unions. Interestingly, while Whitcomb talks openly with potential supporters and his fellow law students about these issues, his Web site only mentions education, health care, and the environment. Democrats may see this as one of their few opportunities to add to their majority, but they face a tough uphill battle with Mitchell's likeable personality and strong name ID. This may be the closest race we see this November.
Senate District 26
After being appointed just before the 2007 legislative session to replace the retiring Jim Dyer, Sen. Steve Ward, R-Littleton, has already decided to make a bid for the 6th congressional district, leaving his seat open. Lauri Clapp, a former state Representative, is expected to follow Ward as the Republican nominee for the district, yet must first defeat Jerry Call in the party's August primary before facing off with the to-be-determined Democrat candidate. While state Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, saw his name floated as a possible contender, Face The State has confirmed that he will not run.
Senate District 28
This Aurora district saw a major upset in 2004, when incumbent Republican Bruce Cairns was taken down by Democrat Suzanne Williams. Williams has been a strong pro-union vote and will likely be back with gobs of union money this November. She faces Republican Sueyuna Duthie, a personable, hard working candidate who is active and well-known to her Aurora neighbors. Incumbency is not the advantage here that it might be in other districts.