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MADDEN: As Colorado goes, so goes the nation

By Alice Madden, Special to the Rocky

Published August 25, 2008 at 1:54 p.m.

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We’ve all heard that Colorado is a key battleground for the presidency, but what will it take for the Barack Obama/Joe Biden ticket to win our hearts and minds, not to mention our nine electoral votes?

Get to know us. Some key words about Coloradoans:

Pride: in our unique western lifestyle and our glorious outdoors.

Authenticity and accountability: We’re good judges of character and will remember your promises.

Privacy: We have a deep libertarian streak. We want the government out of our homes and doctor’s offices.

Water: We want to keep our fair share, thanks.

Energy: We think “diversify here, diversity now” makes a lot of sense.

Family: We want our kids to have access to quality health care and education, and an awaiting thriving job market.

We know that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney have dragged this country down. Remind us that McCain cannot be a true agent of change if he voted with Bush 95 percent of the time. Demonstrate that Obama and Biden will represent the people’s best interests, not the special interests of corporate lobbyists. Because you can relate to the problems facing average Americans, you are better equipped to solve them.

When you ask Colorado voters to what party they belong (“self ID”), it breaks down roughly to a third Republicans, a third Democrats, and a third Independents. And over the past two years, more of these key unaffiliated voters are leaning Democratic. It may come down to a so called “battle of the burbs” where we’ve had growth in college-educated voters who are leaning democratic. Success for Obama also depends on winning the hearts and minds of our Hispanic voters. Gore and Kerry each pulled 68 percent of the Hispanic vote in Colorado and there is real potential to improve on that.

Economy? Since 1900, presidents with a (D) after their names have dominated on every measurable front: job growth, income equality, and deficit reduction.

Mortgage crisis? You both know how many homes you own.

Iraqi War? Timeline is not a dirty word.

And last but not least, please fight the smears. Political lies are an insult to our intelligence; we deserve the truth and the facts are on your side.

State House Majority Leader Alice Madden (D) represents the 10th district.