General Information:
Population: 4,550,688
Size: 103,718 sq. miles
Primary election: Fri. Mar 7 2008
General election: Tues. Nov 4 2008
Last Presidential election results:
(Bush) 51.7% v. 47%
State Overview
The Colorado Democratic Party operates under particularly stringent state campaign finance laws which make it difficult to raise enough money to fully fund candidates and operations. In spite of these restrictions, the Party has been able to develop an expanding network of support to fund candidates up and down the ticket. In addition to proving useful in increasing majorities in the state legislative chambers and winning the nationally targeted 7th Congressional District, the Party was able to invest in research and organizational expenses that will carry into future elections.
The Colorado Democratic Party is positioned to experience even greater success in the 2008 cycle. The State Party will be working to retain the four U.S. Congressional seats currently held by Democrats and hopefully gain one seat in the process. At the same time, the Party will focus on winning the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Wayne Allard, maintaining the majorities currently held in the State House and State Senate, and delivering the state for the Democratic Presidential nominee.
State Election Information:
Lower House
Total seats: 65
Party breakdown: 39D/26R
Term length: 2 years
Next Election: 2008
Upper House
Total seats: 35
Party breakdown: 20D/15R
Term length: 4 years
Next Election: Half 08 Half 10
Constitutional Offices
Governor: D
Lt. Governor: D
Secretary of State: R
Attorny General: R
Next election: 2010
Federal Election Information:
Senate
Wayne Allard (R)
Next election: 2008
Challengers:
Ken Salazer (D)
Next election: 2010
Challengers:
House of Representatives
Seats in house: 7
Party breakdown: 4(D) 3(R)
Competitive districts: 02 - (Open)
State Party Information:
Colorado Democratic Party
777 Santa Fe Ave. - Google Maps [1]
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 623-4762
info@coloradodems.org [2]
www.coloradodems.org [3]
Redistricting Information:
The legislature draws the congressional districts, while the Reapportionment Commission is responsible for legislative districts. The Reapportionment Commission is an 11-member, part-legislator, part-civilian body. The majority and minority leaders of both houses each appoint one person, the governor appoints three and the chief justice of the state Supreme Court appoints four. No more than six members can be from one political party. The governor has no veto power over legislative district plans.
