Western Governor Poll Watch and Commentary
Wyoming 4/27/06
Dave Freudenthal (D) 52%
Ray Hunkins (R) 29%
Arizona 5/24/06
Janet Napolitano (D) 55%
Don Goldwater (R) 34%
New Mexico 6/27/06
Bill Richardson (D) 56%
John Dendahl (R) 32
Colorado 5/25/06
Bill Ritter (D) 43%
Bob Beauprez (R) 38%
And we lost all these states in 2004? Now that is some food for thought.
I have three main points:
First, that this certainly says a ton about our chances for picking up these states in 2008. While support for a local governor doesn't always translate into support for a presidential nominee - I don't see how a 2008 Dem would not be starting from a positive position in the West.
Second, what is it that makes each of these politicians so successful in red (purple, really) states, either with hostile legislatures or overcoming vast party registration barriers? Some would argue populist tons, gut-believing, policy positions, luck, etc. While all of those are important, I would note that all of these politicians have co-opted issues from both sides to deliver results for their state. Call it Clintonism, triangulation or just good politics, these governors have an ability to get things done for their states.
Third, in Colorado where no sitting governor exists, Bill Ritter has opened up a good (if not strong) lead in the race. This pro-life Democrat is surprising everyone, I think, with the intensity of his campaign. He has picked up endorsements from Republicans, speaks upfront about "the legitimate role of government" in protecting the environment and investing in education, and wants to look at raising fuel efficienct standards. By adding Ritter to the mix, Democratic governors will be dominating in almost all Western states (save Utah and Idaho).
This, I think, shows how well the Western Democrat philosophy maintains out here.
Landon Mascareñaz | July 5, 2006 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) |
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Comments
I don't see how a 2008 Dem would be starting from a positive position in the West.
You mean, 'would NOT be starting from'... right?
Posted by: Kari Chisholm | Jul 5, 2006 4:03:39 PM
Of course - thanks for the note! Consider it edited.
Posted by: Landon Mascarenaz | Jul 5, 2006 4:12:43 PM
Was your organization conducting telephone polling over the Thanksgiving weekend in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area? Thanks so much for answering.
Posted by: Susan McCune | Nov 25, 2007 2:01:17 PM
Was your organization conducting telephone polling over the Thanksgiving weekend in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area? Thanks so much for answering.
Posted by: Susan McCune | Nov 25, 2007 2:06:30 PM
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(and yes, we know that sometimes they're very, very wrong. Other times, they're right on.)
