Andrew Romanoff pulled off a stunning victory in last night's Democratic caucuses, besting incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet, 51-42.
Romanoff's support was strong in every corner of the state. He did well in Metro Denver--60% in Denver county, 55% in Arapahoe, 54% in Jefferson, and 53% in Douglas and Adams counties--and in the more rural parts of the state--62% in Prowers, 75% in Bent, 67% in Conejos, to pick a few of several rural counties where Romanoff dominated.
Sen. Bennet had few areas where he dominated, but did manage to win several counties in the western and southwestern part of the state--58% in Custer, Delta, and Garfield counties, 71% in La Plata (Durango), 63% in Mesa (Grand Junction), 74% in Pitkin (Aspen), 82% in San Miguel (Telluride). Yet, even out west, Romanoff did well in Montrose (75%), Montezuma (52%), Archuleta (63%), Gunnison (59%), Saguache (63%), and Rio Grande (65%).
This gives Romanoff bragging rights, and legitimately so. He posted strong numbers with the Democratic base. When he said he was the choice of the grassroots, it turns out he was right.
Yet, at the same time, one needs to keep in mind that, for all the hoo-hah of the process, it really only determines who gets top line on the August ballot. That's worth something, but not much. Former Sen. Ken Salazar lost the party caucuses, yet went on to win the primary and the election.
The results demonstrate that, while money is important, it's not everything. Sen. Bennet has been rolling in cash. Every day's mail brings another slick advertising piece, and every day's phone messages include several pleas from the Bennet campaign. The impact of Bennet's fundraising may well weigh in at some point, but it hasn't yet.
Photo: Pueblo Chieftain | Chris Mclean
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