As expected the 2000 Colorado party primary attracted few voters, but the results will effect the conservative influence in the next legislative session and, more immediately, the partisan battle to control the state senate.

Primary Winners

The August 8 primary was another in the series of recent battles between conservative and moderate forces for domination of the legislative wing of the Republican party, with abortion being a litmus issue.

Republican Moderates versus Conservatives

Conservatives were the winners in a series of tough primary races, with the exception of HD 51.

Republican Primary Races Moderate vs. Conservatives
District	Conservative			Moderate
Senate 21	Pfiffner	57%	vs.	Morton	43%
Senate 26	Dyer	53%	vs.	Kruetz	47%
Senate 28	Cairns	58%	vs.	McPherson	42%
House 22	Schultheis	52%	vs.	Olvey	48%
House 26	McKay	64%	vs.	Motta	36%
House 31	Rhodes	62%	vs.	Kirkmeyer	38%
House 37	Clapp	52%	vs.	Frey	48%
House 40	Stafford	57%	vs.	Kirchhof	43%
House 51	Lukensow	43%	vs.	Fritz	57%
Senate District 10	Ron May won against Doug Bruce in El Paso County Senate District 10, but both are very conservative.

Hispanic Legislative Seats

Within the Democrat party, Hispanic activists attempted to hold on to two seats held by term limited Hispanic legislators. Vigil lost in Adams County to Takis but Sanchez won in Denver. Incumbent Mace survived a tough challenge in Denver.

Democratic Primary Races Hispanic vs. Anglo
District	Anglo			Latino
Senate 25	Takis	53%	vs.	Vigil	47%
House 2	Meegan	48%	vs.	Sanchez	52%
House 4	Naples	45%	vs.	Mace	55%

Leadership Races

The election outcome will strengthen the position of party conservatives in leadership races: Doug Dean should be easily elected as speaker of the House; Rep. Shawn Mitchell will gain momentum in his race for House majority leader and John Andrews was helped in his race as Senate Majority leader.

Both houses will be more conservative, which will make a difference in the governor's relationship with the majority party and the type of legislation that will be introduced and survive the process.

November Election: A BATTLE FOR SENATE CONTROL

Democrats are targeting the Colorado Senate. They need to win three additional seats for victory. The eight targeted races appear to be as follows:

• Senate District 8 (Northwest Colorado), Jack Taylor, R, versus Paul Ohri, D.
  
  
• Senate District 13 (West Jeffco, Summit County), Joan Fitzgerald versus Bryan Sullivant replacement, R, probably Sandy Grampsas or Terry Rayborn.
  
  
• Senate District 14 (Fort Collins), Peggy Reeves, D, versus Steve Tool R.
  
  
• Senate District 19 (East Jeffco), Jim Congrove, R, versus Sue Windels, D.
  
  
• Senate District 21(Central Jeffco), Penn Pffifner, R, versus DeAnna Hanna, D.
  
  
• Senate District 23 (Adams County), Ken Arnold, R, versus Michael Massarotti, D.
  
  
• Senate District 29 (Aurora), Debbie Allen, R, versus Bob Hagedorn, D.
  
  
• Senate District 35 (South Denver), Ken Gordon, D, versus Dorothy Gotlieb, R.

Related: Democrats Battle for Control of State Senate

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