Dems' Colo. Dream Win Begins to Look Shaky

Democrats won a huge symbolic victory by winning over conservative Colorado in last year's elections, but nervous state voters may be yearning for the GOP again, the Washington Post reports. Strategists are feeling it on the ground and incumbents in the halls of power: President Obama's supporters have grown quiet as anxiety seeps in over the recession and growing national deficit. "The slippage is there, and it's because things are tough and solutions aren't easy," a former Democratic governor says.

Next year's elections could tell the tale: Gov. Bill Ritter faces a tough race after alienating organized labor and raising car registration fees. Republicans perceive appointed Sen. Michael F. Bennet, a surprise choice to replace Ken Salazar, as a soft target. One grass-roots organizer says it all comes down to health care reform: If Obama "loses on this one, that sets the tone for the rest of his administration." (More Colorado stories.)