Analysis: Assignment 1
Elections are a complicated part of the democratic system. There are many components that affect the campaign process. I have examined the Colorado Senate race between Republican Peter Coors and Democrat Ken Salazar in order to see how other races can affect these candidates' campaigns.
Republicans and Democrats work hard to secure their parties power even when it comes to small races. This Senate race will feature Republican Pete Coors, who earned his fame from his family's brewing company, and Democrat Ken Salazar, who is the state's popular attorney general. Colorado is considered to be a Republican set state; it “has about 180,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats,” (Giroux, Colorado Senate). This Senate race in particular is vital to many people as it will help determine which party controls the Senate. It also could affect the outcome of the presidential race in the state. Every victory will make a difference especially now that Colorado has changed it electoral vote procedure from the "winner take all" system to dividing the 9 electoral votes based on the popular vote (Giroux, Republican Convention). Democrats are hoping Salazar will attract Hispanics to the polls, possibly giving presidential candidate John Kerry a boost" (CO: Coors, Salazar). Republicans are backing Coors as many fear that “if we lose the Senate seat in Colorado, we stand a good chance of losing Colorado for Bush" (Couch, It’s Coors vs. Salazar). There is a lot at stake nationally by this one race.
The Coors and Salazar race can also be connected to many of the more local, smaller elections in Colorado. The 7th House seat is considered a tight race as GOP Bob Beauprez (R) has been challenged by Democrat Dave Thomas. Beauprez won his seat at the last election by the closest amount in the nation. Democrats feel that Beauprez’s is in a vulnerable position and prime to be challenged. The 3rd House seat is open by the retiring Republican Scott McInnis. McInnis had won comfortably in his last terms by at least 60% (Giroux , Colorado 3rd District). Republican Greg Walcher is running against John Salazar, brother of Attorney General Ken Salazar for this seat. John Salazar’s campaign is beneficial to brother Ken in his race for Senate. If John can win his region this would raise momentum for Ken. This support could also potentially affect the presidential campaign. It comes as no surprise that Salazar and Salazar have been campaigning together. This move has unnerved many Republicans and thus Walcher has received backing from many big time names in Colorado. These two races are very important and will receive much attention all through November.
In conclusion it is very clear that other races can have significant implications on Senate races. In Colorado all of the campaigns seem to be connected along party lines as so much seems to be at stake in all of the election results.
Part of an Assignment for:
Political Science 318 - Strategy and Ethics in Election Campaigns
© Davidson College, 2004, Department of Political Science, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035
Created by Laura E. Noyes
Created: 9/10/04. Last updated: 9/22/04.