It may not be the most volatile of Democratic Congressional races, but with more than $6 million dollars already on the table, the contest to take Mark Udall's vacated seat as the 2nd Colorado District's nominee is drawing national attention. And, it's not only the money being spent but also the fact that it could drive Colorado squarely into Obama territory.
Udall gave up his Congressional seat -- representing the Democratic stronghold running from Boulder westward into Eagle County -- and now looks like the likely nominee to take a second Democratic Senate seat in four years, making Colorado's Senate duo true-blue (when it was wholly Red). Incumbent Wayne Allard (R) had won two narrow victories but has decided to retire rather than face likely defeat. Democrats have tapped the very popular Udall while the GOP is lined up behind former Congressman Bob Schaffer. Recent polls show Udall with a solid lead.
Colorado is likely to be one of the major battlegrounds in November from the top of the ballot to the bottom. The state has been seen as Republican but has been moving Democrat as the Hispanic population grows. Bush won this state twice but Bill Clinton took it in 1992. Obama is expected to make this a major target in the fall. Recent polls show him with a lead outside the margin of error.
by Ron Levitt
