Colorado Post Election Report - A Grassroots View

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Colorado was one of the most watched states in the election because it is the most like Massachusetts and Connecticut in terms of liberal leaning while still being a bedrock of conservatism and Tea party affiliation.  Having spent much of my youth and later years visiting my many first cousins thoughout Colorado, not to mention a few ski trips later, I have watched the development of the state over the years.

The battle between conservationists and developers, the influx of California residents, the tourist demands, the fights over water rights and the Platte and Colorado River water compacts, the battle for political control between liberals and conservatives, between urban and non-urban areas, and on and on.

My old friend Ed O'Connor moved to Colorado and his insights as a political activist yet outsider gives him a unique view of the Colorado political landscape.  His pre-election report was excellent for a non-reporter and his post-election report that follows is even better.  Sometimes the people see so much more than the experts and professionals.  Thanks again to Ed and the people of Colorado.

When I praised Ed for his first article and how it helped people understand the Colorado political landscape he rsponded, "That May be their downfall if they think I'm an informed one."  Here is his post election recap.

Overall I was pleased with the elections results except for Not winning the Senate. This election was not about local issues and had national ramifications no matter what state you lived in. As for Colorado:

I had picked the incumbent Congresswomen (Betsey Markey) from my district 4 to lose and she did lose big time. Her vote for Obamacare and Cap & Trade pretty much sealed her fate.

I really thought Buck would win the Senate but it amazes me what can be made into an ad and because of his stand on abortion and immigration, they had enough ammo and I think he lost the independent vote (especially the women) in the bigger cities. Bennet also talked like he was much more conservative then he is. And the fiasco for the Governor's office didn't help him at all in my opinion.

The good news is it looks like a Republican House of Reps here in CO which I am happy about but still have to deal with an anti-gun, pro illegal immigrant governor and Senate.

Tancrado had too much history behind him to win a state wide election and the Republican candidate Maes was abandon by almost everybody because when Tancrado entered the race we knew neither one could win in a three way race and no one knew Maes or his background.

I donated more money to out of state candidates then ever and I think that will be the trend from now on as every election is a national election and these people who vote for a candidate who says he is going to do all these things by himself (especially for a state) are fooling themselves.

I hope the voters in the future learn you have to look at every election as a chance to advance your party's or your agenda and not what a candidate says he is going to do for the state. If your party is not in the majority you have a pretty hard time advancing your ideas and legislation at the federal level.

And the same outlook needs to apply to a state office. Party trumps person in our system.

And finally: I am a big believer in changing the Republican party rather then trying to start a third party such as a Tea Party. That would really screw things up. I like the Tea Party agenda but it needs to be brought into the Republican tent or vice versa so as not to split the vote. Politicians like Lindsey Gramm and McCain need to be retired and put on the shelf. 2012 is going to be even more polarizing after two years with this new congress.

That is my 2 cents worth and that is the true value which may also be the value of the dollar when the Federal Reserve gets done.

Ed O'Connor
Colorado
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