"With Ritter Stepping Down, Democratic Prospects Improve in Colorado"

[Clio the Leo]

Yes, I know it's Rassmussen but still lol

With Ritter Stepping Down, Democratic Prospects Improve in Colorado
Thursday, January 07, 2010

Now that Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has said he will step down rather than run for reelection, Democrats may be more competitive in this year's gubernatorial race. Ritter trailed former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis by eight points a month ago.

New Rasmussen Reports polling of likely Colorado voters shows that two of McInnis' potential Democratic opponents are a bit closer than that.
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper trails McInnis by just three percentage points, 45% to 42%.

But Hickenlooper appears to be waiting to see what Ken Salazar decides. Salazar resigned as a U.S. senator early last year to join President Obama's Cabinet as secretary of the Interior. If Salazar decides to seek the governor’s mansion, Hickenlooper said, "I'd probably be his first volunteer.”

Currently, McInnis leads Salazar 47% to 41%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_governor

[tridim]

1. I want Hickenlooper to run

He's cool as hell.

I guess I could live with Salazar, but he's really not a good fit for the job IMO.

[Clio the Leo]

3. You just got your wish....

.... Chris Cilizza just Tweeted that Salazaar will NOT run and will, instead, back Hickenlooper....

http://twitter.com/TheFix

[jefferson_dem]

2. Someone mentioned this bit of musical chairs:

Salazar replaces Ritter as Dem nominee for Governor.
Dorgan replaces Salazar at Interior.

Upgrades, except ND still sucks.

[eleny]

4. I think Ritter would have won anyway

But there's more to Ritter's leaving than his wanting to spend more time with the family, imo.