Rocky Mountains: Colorado
50-state roundup
Thursday, November 9, 2006; Page A35
Democrats took a key House seat and the governor's mansion away from the GOP in the heart of the Rocky Mountain region. Democrat Ed Perlmutter, a former state senator, beat Republican Rick O'Donnell for the open House seat in the Denver suburbs that had been held by Bob Beauprez. Beauprez, who ran for governor, was defeated by Bill Ritter in the race to replace Bill Owens (R), who was term limited. O'Donnell had been a popular education commissioner under Owens but created controversy when he suggested that high school boys spend part of their school year carrying out public service duties such as border patrols.
Republicans held on to other House seats, however, after a number of fierce battles. In the state's 4th District, Marilyn Musgrave staved off what began as a tough challenge from Democrat Angie Piccione. And in the heavily Republican 5th District, Doug Lamborn (R), who went through a nasty primary fight, beat out former Air Force officer Jay Fawcett (D).
Idaho
  In Billings, a somber Burns, who was hurt by his connections to lobbyist Jack Abramoff, watches returns. (By Stephen Brashear -- Getty Images) '08 Presidential Race Check out this guide to all the Democrats and Republicans who are running (or are likely to run) for president next year. |
In a state that President Bush carried in 2004 with nearly 70 percent of the vote, Republicans were nervous in the last stretch of the campaign. In the end, they held on to their seats after hard-fought campaigns. C.L. "Butch" Otter cruised to victory over Democrat Jerry Brady to become the state's next governor.
Democrats had some hopes that Larry Grant, a local business executive, could win the open 1st District House seat, but he lost to state Rep. Bill Sali (R).
Montana
The disaster that Republicans feared did materialize in Big Sky country as Sen. Conrad Burns (R) lost a bid for a fourth term.
By the thinnest of margins, state Senate President Jon Tester will be a new senator from Montana and may help swing Senate control to the Democrats. Burns was hurt by his connections to lobbyist Jack Abramoff and made things worse for himself with a series of verbal gaffes deemed insulting to several minority groups.
An eleventh-hour campaign stop by President Bush seemed to give Burns a much-needed push to narrow the months-long gap with Tester, but it came too late. Tester, a third-generation organic farmer who hunts and runs a butcher shop on the side, was declared the winner by just over 3,000 votes.
Nevada
What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas. Rep. Jim Gibbons (R) weathered allegations of misconduct with a Las Vegas woman to become the next governor. Gibbons replaces Kenny Guinn, who was term limited.
The Republicans were worried about losing ground in a state that President Bush carried by a single percentage point in 2004, but they managed to stave off Democrats after some close races. They kept Gibbons's House seat, with Nevada Secretary of State Dean Heller repelling a challenge from state university regent Jill Derby. In the Las Vegas suburbs, Rep. Jon Porter (R) held his seat, as did Sen. John Ensign (R), who easily beat out former president Jimmy Carter's son Jack.
Utah
There were no surprises in one of the most solidly Republican states in the nation. Sen. Orrin G. Hatch cruised to reelection over businessman Pete Ashdown (D), and Rep. Chris Cannon (R) easily kept his 3rd District seat. Rep. Jim Matheson, a Democrat, had an easy time against LaVar Christensen (R), a state representative.
Wyoming
Republicans usually dominate statewide elections in Vice President Cheney's home state, but it looked as if a Democrat could take the House seat that Cheney once held. Gary Trauner, a school board commissioner, challenged Rep. Barbara Cubin (R) and was trailing her by fewer than 1,000 votes in a race that was too close to call. Cubin made some unwelcome headlines when she was accused of telling a third-party candidate who uses a wheelchair, "If you weren't sitting in that chair, I'd slap you across the face." She denied making the statement and then apologized for it.
Meanwhile, Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D) easily won reelection over Ray Hunkins. The Republicans held on to a Senate seat with incumbent Craig Thomas's easy win over Dale Groutage (D).
Wyoming
Republicans usually dominate statewide elections in Vice President Cheney's home state, but it looked as if a Democrat could take the House seat that Cheney once held. Gary Trauner, a school board commissioner, challenged Rep. Barbara Cubin (R) and was trailing her by fewer than 1,000 votes in a race that was too close to call. Cubin made some unwelcome headlines when she was accused of telling a third-party candidate who uses a wheelchair, "If you weren't sitting in that chair, I'd slap you across the face." She denied making the statement and then apologized for it.
Meanwhile, Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D) easily won reelection over Ray Hunkins. The Republicans held on to a Senate seat with incumbent Craig Thomas's easy win over Dale Groutage (D).
