For Obama and Democrats, Colorado Becomes Less Welcoming

WaPo ^ | September 6, 2009 | Dan Balz

[re_tail20]

Colorado became a symbol of the changing politics in a region once firmly in Republican hands -- and also of the grass-roots power and energy fueling Barack Obama's candidacy. Today, the state embodies the uneasiness spreading throughout Democratic ranks as Obama struggles with major challenges and the 2010 midterm elections approach.

Colorado has been one of the Democratic Party's major success stories. Between 1968 and 2004, Republican presidential candidates carried the state in all but one election. Last year, Obama crushed John McCain in Colorado, part of a broader shift in the balance of political power in the Rocky Mountain West.

Obama's victory and earlier Democratic wins here have transformed the state. Early in the decade, Republicans controlled virtually everything -- the governor's office, almost all other statewide offices, the congressional delegation and both houses of the Colorado legislature. Today, Democrats are in control of all of those.

A year ago, Denver enthusiastically hosted the Democratic National Convention, which culminated with Obama's acceptance speech before more than 80,000 people at the Denver Broncos' football stadium. Legions of volunteers, young and old, fanned out across the state throughout the fall to rally the vote for Obama's campaign.

[icwhatudo]

What “transformed” the state was illegal aliens. Now that the jobs are gone, they are leaving.

This isn’t rocket science.

[Alex Murphy]

Today, Coloradans appear more downbeat. Anxiety has replaced optimism. The recession has changed habits and attitudes. Obama's agenda has raised questions among independent voters because of its ambitious scope and potential impact on the deficit. His style has left some original supporters concerned about his toughness.

There's no "potential" about it.

[the long march]

As every where, the GOP has opportunity IF only they will take it. The American people are tired of the political elite.

My solution Don’t Reelect Incumbent Politicians

[Truthsearcher]

Agreed, all incumbents need to go.

If I had my way the Congress wouldn’t even meet in capitol hill.

They should all stay in their home district/state, and submit their votes in remotely. The culture in Washington DC is toxic. When they all get together all they do is cook up more self-serving bad ideas.

[the long march]

Can’t argue with that

[Balding_Eagle]

Early in the decade, Republicans controlled virtually everything -- the governor's office, almost all other statewide offices, the congressional delegation and both houses of the Colorado legislature. Today, Democrats are in control of all of those.

That's what happens when a RINO gets into the Governors office.

[Nephi]

Democrats campaign as conservatives and with the help of transplanted Californians, they win elections. Weasels like Bill Owens don’t help the Colorado Republican party, either.

[Steamburg]

Don’t forget the liberal Kalefornians. From the day the arrived they shouted, “That isn’t how we did it in Kalefornia.” Coloradans have been long suffering in their tolerance and mind your own business. Thanks to the Brothers Salezar and the unwanted immigrants, Colorado is well on its way to throwing them out. They need this to be done before the libtards can gerrymander all the Congressional Districts.

[HapaxLegamenon]

That and a lot of Kalifornia expatriates.

[Free State Four]

If I had my way the Congress wouldn’t even meet in capitol hill.

I've argued this for years. With computers and modern communications, there is no need for us to give free airplane rides to politicians so it is easier for special interests to buy them. We send them to one central location to make it easier for K street to fleece them of our money.

At least, if they had to remain in their home state, the special interests would have to pay the airfare and we could see who was coming and going to the congresscritter's office.