The major storyline from yesterday’s election is that Republicans in Colorado did very well.
Cory Gardner’s decisive win over incumbent Mark Udall helped the GOP take control of the U.S. Senate. But it wasn't a clean sweep for conservatives. A "personhood" measure failed and Republican Bob Beauprez seems to have lost his bid to become governor. This morning, Democratic incumbent John Hickenlooper declared victory.
More: Governor's race | Senate race| Congressional races | Ballot measures | Full results
CPR News political reporter Megan Verlee spoke about the long election night on Wednesday morning with “Colorado Matters” host Ryan Warner. She touched on the results with a focus on Gardner.
Two political veterans also spoke to “Colorado Matters," including strategist Dick Wadhams, a former chairman of the Colorado Republican Party who is active as an advisor in the state and in South Dakota. And Craig Hughes, who was campaign manager for Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet in 2010 and is active this year in Democratic efforts. The two talked about the successes and missteps of Democratic and Republican campaigns and whether Colorado is red, blue or purple in the wake of the election.
“Colorado Matters” reporter/producer Andrea Dukakis touched on the fate of various statewide citizen initiatives. She notes that only one passed -- an amendment supporters say will create more transparency in school board dealings regarding collective bargaining agreements with teacher unions.
Sam Mamet, executive director of the Colorado Municipal League, gave an overview of local issues.
And money-in-politics gumshoe reporter Sandra Fish noted that when all the millions of dollars are tallied in Colorado elections, about $50 was spent per resident. She highlighted the big spenders.
