Barak Obama is set to become the next President of the United States. Ever since the stock market meltdown and subsequent bailout, we haven’t seen too many (if any, but it’s getting hard to remember!) polls in Colorado showing McCain leading here in Colorado.
AND YET…
There has been a strange string of stories that taken together could add up to some interesting results on election day.
EXAMPLE ONE: KMGH Channel 7 in Denver reports that early mail-in ballots show Republicans with a slight edge in returns.
EXAMPLE TWO: KUSA Channel 9 in Denver reporting that an analysis of early mail-in ballots showed an almost dead-heat between the two parties.
So how does that jive with a Rocky Mountain News/CBS 4 poll that shows Obama with a double-digit lead here in Colorado? Mass defections amongst Republicans who will cast their Presidential vote for Obama? Perhaps. And also keep in mind, the GOP has thrown in the towel on Schaffer, and as of this writing, Musgrave is hanging on by the fingernails.
STILL, looking at the two turnout EXAMPLE stories we’ve just presented versus what the polls predict, what can we expect next Tuesday?
I’d say expect to see the most Democrats sent to D.C. by Colorado in some while, but the heavy Republican turnout could lead to more interesting amendment results. You might find some Republicans who were bitter about the Bush Presidency and the skyrocketing number of earmarks under a Republican congress who were also swayed by Obama’s efficient campaign and lofty rhetoric. But when it comes down to amendment questions, the issue of personality disappears, and principle has a greater chance to persevere.
With Big Labor spending millions against Amendments 47, 49 and 54, it would be a miracle if any of them passed. And yet, with the heavy early Republican turnout presented above, it wouldn’t surprise us here at CompleteColorado.com if any one, perhaps two of those amendments pass. Additionally, from our point of view, the “No on 58” folks have run a smart campaign with a smart use of their money. Governor Ritter could be staring down the face of a couple of rebukes on election night. He hasn’t put too much of his political capitol at stake, but let there be no doubt, if any two among 47,49 and 54 should pass, and 58 should fail, the the people of Colorado will have spoken loudly about the leadership from their Governor.
