With the surprise retirement of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell a new senate race has been blown wide open, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Sen. Campbell, facing health problems and allegations of corruption within his staff, was viewed as vulnerable, but the Democratic Party had had trouble finding a top tier challenger. With his retirement, popular governor Bill Owens is likely to jump into the race. Owens is term limited and is considered a rising star in the GOP. He is also the darling of the neo-conservative wing of the Republican Party.
It is crucial that Democrats pick up this seat. With the south solidly red, the Democrats need to establish a base in the West, and shifting demographics make Colorado a prime place to start. With the seat now open, perhaps a higher profile Democrat (a la Mark Udall) will step forward to run. This seat bears watching.