Last week Public Policy Polling surveyed Colorado voters and came to the conclusion that "Colorado is still Obama territory." President Obama's approval rating is at 51%. While this is an early test of the President's popularity, it points to continued strength among Democrats and unaffiliated voters in Colorado.
The poll tested four Republican possible nominees against the President. A contender from 2008, Mitt Romney trails President Obama by six points. He is followed by Mike Huckabee, who trails by nine points. Newt Gingrich trails the President by 14 points, and Sarah Palin trails by 19 points.
The poll shows that Republicans do less well with their own party than the President does with Democrats. However, the President has double-digit leads among unaffiliateds. This voting bloc is critical in a state where the voter registration is still roughly 1/3 Republican, 1/3 Unaffiliated and 1/3 Democrat.
Colorado Democrats weathered the Republican sweep in the 2010 election by electing U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Governor John Hickenlooper. Post-election analysis shows that unaffiliated voters gave Senator Bennet a substantial lead over his opponent.
Although Colorado Democrats lost some important seats in the 2010 election, they also had some hard-fought wins, given the national climate and the outside money spent in the state.
This poll confirms what we know from knocking on doors and talking to voters. President Obama carried Colorado by 9 percentage points in 2008. Voters are listening to the President and know he is doing what he promised: that is to find workable solutions to the economic challenges.
The 2012 race may be tighter, but we believe that Colorado will once again be a target for a vigorous and exciting campaign.
For access to the poll, go to http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_0208424.pdf.