The Why and Winners

The Ref. C win reflected near universal support of the state’s political, civic and business elite, along with the powerful embrace of the major newspapers.  Gov. Owens risked his reputation and angered fiscal conservatives, but made a major contribution to the proposal’s success by providing a bipartisan coalition and convincing moderate Republicans to vote for it.

The close victory was achieved in a battle for the moderate center of the electorate.  Gov. Owens argued that Ref. C was essential to save the tax limitation structure.  Democrats told their constituents the referendums were the best compromise available.  Voters in general were told massive cuts were coming in 2006 and there was money for many local needs, such as maintaining community colleges.

Although the governor was a winner by leading moderate Republicans to vote “yes,” the party remained divided.  It is unclear which forces (moderate or conservative) will dominate nominations and Republican politics in 2006 and if they can unify for the general election.  The biggest winners in November were Democratic leaders who argued they could solve the state’s fiscal problems.

The proponents had the benefit of several high-profile supporters, such as former Sen. Hank Brown and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Democrat legislative leaders (a few Republicans) who blanketed the state with speeches, rallies and press conferences.

Other elements of the victory included a record sum spent on advertising, and an effort to keep the opponents on the defensive with quick responses to their claims and legal action against their campaign finance reporting.

• Business associations exercised far more political unity and clout than usual and, after the metro sales tax victory for transit, they appear to be major players in the 2006 legislature and on future ballot issues.
• Local government, especially municipalities, and civic nonprofit groups were also more organized than usual.  Unions, especially the teachers union, showed their clout.
• The state’s daily newspapers, whose editorial outlooks span the full range of ideological opinions, were united and aggressive in their support for Ref. C.  Even conservative editorial pagers, such as the Rocky Mountain News, Pueblo Chieftain and Colorado Springs Gazette, repeatedly editorialized in favor.

<< previous | next slide >>.

[top] [archives] [home] [send this page to a friend]