Colorado's Democratic primary campaigns turn "spicy"
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From piñata candidates to accusations of favoritism and a U.S. senator publicly criticizing the governor, Colorado voters are navigating a crowded Democratic field that's tearing into itself with primaries looming.
Why it matters: The tension reflects the party's internal frustrations as pressure grows to deliver wins in November's monumental midterm election.
- But those tactics could risk alienating unaffiliated voters who already see both major parties as too extreme.
The big picture: In most cases, the friction pits establishment Democrats against a new crop of candidates aligned with the party's left wing, local political experts tell us.
- A more aggressive campaign approach reflects the first wide-open race for Colorado's top executive offices in eight years, with incumbents all term-limited.
What they're saying: "The races will be more spicy in that regard," CU Denver distinguished professor and political expert Paul Teske tells us.
- "We're a big, diverse party with people who care deeply about the future of our state, and that passion often shows up in spirited campaigns," Colorado Democratic Party chair Shad Murib says in a statement.
State of play: It's common for candidates to draw contrasts, but this year they're doing so in atypical fashion.
- U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, who is running for governor, publicly chastised the man he's trying to replace, reportedly saying Polis is "allergic" to building statewide coalitions.
- Secretary of State Jena Griswold faces attacks from her fellow attorney general candidates, with rivals questioning her credentials and calling out misstatements.
- Two Democratic hopefuls in the ultra-competitive 8th Congressional District race faced backlash after attending a forum with a piñata depicting Shannon Bird, the only woman candidate in the Dem race.
- Colorado's 4th Congressional District candidate Trisha Calvarese unsuccessfully sued to block her opponent, Eileen Laubacher, from qualifying for the race through the caucus and assembly process over controversy stemming from party rules.
Yes, but: The Democratic Party in Colorado is stronger than ever, driven by opposition to President Trump, local Democratic strategist Ted Trimpa tells us.
- The party is still widely expected to sweep the governor, attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer races, while boasting more than 1 million registered voters.
- "Anybody who says the Democratic Party is dead, sorely, sorely mistaken," Trimpa tells us.
The intrigue: Age may be another contributing factor. Democratic stalwarts U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette face younger opponents, Teske adds.
- State lawmaker Julie Gonzales, 42, is challenging Hickenlooper, while DeGette's opponent, Melat Kiros, is 28.
- Both newcomers are aligning themselves as progressive champions — and launched campaigns by directly targeting their opponents.
What we're watching: How Colorado's more than 2 million unaffiliated voters respond to Democrats' campaign tactics, and who qualifies for the June 30 primary election.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected with attribution to the Colorado Democratic Party's chair (not its spokesperson).