CO '08 SENATE ANALYSIS

In 2002, Sen. Wayne Allard was re-elected with 51% and spent $5.2 million. Tom Strickland, the Democratic nominee spent $5.1 million and garnered 47% of the vote. Also re-elected that year was Republican Governor Bill Owens, earning 63%.

Things have gone downhill BIG TIME for the Republicans since then.

In 2004, Democrat Ken Salazar was elected to the U.S. Senate over Republican Pete Coors 51%-47%, the same margin as Allard's victory two years before. The Dems also picked up a Congressional seat, with John Salazar winning in CO-03. Furthering the Democratic victories, they claimed a majority in both chambers of the State Legislature.

The political landscape improved even more for Colorado Dems in 2006. Ed Perlmutter won the open seat in Colorado's 7th Congressional District, vacated by Congressman Bob Beauprez, who was the Republican candidate for Governor. He lost to Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter 56%-41%. Democrats also added to their majorities in the Legislature.

As Colorado has trended significantly bluer than it was in 2002, Republicans must be about ready to write this Senate race off. Sen. Wayne Allard has a paltry $122,476 cash on hand. The most likely Democratic candidate, Congressman Mark Udall, has TEN TIMES that amount in his campaign account.

This is a prime pick up opportunity for the Democrats. Let the race begin!