|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| [archives][home] | ||||||
|
Colorado Moves to the Middle Colorado will be a battleground state in 2006 with one of the most competitive congressional races in the country and an open gubernatorial seat. Colorado politics has moved to the middle and is more competitive. Democrats have resurfaced after nearly a decade marked by a dearth of statewide leaders, and without visibility or experience handling major issues. The success of 2004, especially Senator Ken Salazar’s victory, and control of both legislative houses created a platform for future leaders. And after winning the TABOR time-out, they are poised to be competitive in the open congressional seat, gubernatorial race and holding their gains in the legislature. One factor creating a more moderate electorate is a shift in the issue agenda since the 1990s. After a decade of anti-tax rhetoric, political conversation now focuses more on filling funding gaps and restoring government programs. The recession, tax cuts and Amendment 23 (constitutionally mandated school funding) contributed to a state budget squeeze that has changed voter focus. They are still tax sensitive, but not anti-government. In addition, anti-tax forces are divided and in a leadership transition. Finally, Democrats and the more liberal spectrum of the electorate have benefited from new sources of campaign money, and new policy and advocating organizations that promote liberal policy positions.There appears to be a new electoral coalition forming that includes suburban metro and Front Range communities, more moderate in politics and interested in problem-solving, even if it includes government action. If it can stay united around some new policy ideas, the new Referenda C and D alliance among the public, private and nonprofit sectors could continue to be influential for more pragmatic and less ideological politics. Voters with higher levels of education and connections to their communities through media, the Internet, civic, business and nonprofit organizations were the main influencers in this election. They tend to be more moderate in their politics. But the closeness of the 2004 election and the TABOR referendums demonstrate that Republicans remain a viable force with a small-government, low-tax philosophy that can attract voters. To win in 2006, both parties will be battling for the middle ground that offers solutions that reflect their perspectives and constituencies. But if the trends since 2004 continue, their battle should be much more competitive. |
||||||
