In 1996, Bob Dole won the state even while Bill Clinton was winning a convincing re-election bid nationwide.  In 2004, George W. Bush got millions more votes than he did in 2000 across the country, but his victory margin here was cut in half.  Trends point to an even closer margin this year.  Add to that the residual effects of a mild landslide victory for the Democrats in 2006, and you have the ingredients for a party switch come November.  As a result, The Blogging Caesar rates Colorado Weak DEM, making it the first state projected to turn colors in 2008.

The outlook is not much brighter as we move down the ticket.  In 2006, Republican Bob Beauprez failed to keep the Governor's Mansion for the GOP against Democrat Bill Ritter.  It wasn't even close.  This year Wayne Allard's retirement from the Senate presents the GOP with another problematic open seat to defend.  Compounding the dilemma is the decision of Democrat Mark Udall to enter the race.  Even with an attractive candidate on the GOP side, former Rep. Bob Schaffer, The Blogging Caesar has to give the edge to the Democrat and rate this race a Weak DEM Gain as well.

The slow shift of Colorado to the blue side is perhaps most evident in the House.  In each of the past two elections, the Democrats have picked off a congressional seat.  After the election of 2002, the GOP held a 5-2 advantage.  That balance now stands at 4-3 for the Democrats.  And yet another GOP seat is somewhat vulnerable this year - Marilyn Musgrave's fourth district seat.  However, since she was able to survive a strong challenge in 2006, this seat will start out rated a Weak GOP Hold here at Election Projection.

You can peruse much more information on the Colorado state page.

Next stop:  Connecticut