Colorado Races In National Spotlight

University of Virginia Center for Politics researchers David Wasserman and Larry J. Sabato have identified two Colorado races, the 7th Congressional District, and the Governor’s race, as races where Democrats are favored to make gains in 2006.

The 7th Congressional District race between Democrat Ed Perlmutter and Republican Rick O’Donnell is listed as a Republican open seat leaning Democratic.  Only one other Congressional race (PA-06) is a more likely Democratic party pickup, while two other races (TX-22 and IA-1) are in the same category.

No other Colorado Congressional races made the list.

The Governor’s race in Colorado, where Democrat Bill Ritter faces Republican Bob Beauprez is described as a probable Democratic Governor pickup.  The other races in this category are Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio.

The researchers do not show Republicans with an edge in any seat held by Democrats for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House or a Governorship in 2006.

Hat Tip to Daily Kos.