Another bit of conventional 2010 wisdom bit the dust in Colorado last night--the "anti-incumbent mood" of the country sure didn't show up there as Sen. Michael Bennet easily turned away a challenge from former state representative, and state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. Bennet, a novice politician and an appointed, rather than elected official, doesn't entirely fit the mold of an incumbent, but the dynamics of this race put him there.
It also, at least as far as Colorado is concerned, should put to rest the idea that Obama is toxic to Dems. In a political environment like this, the one thing that seems to be emerging, beginning with the fall of 2009 with the special elections in NY-23 and Massachusetts is that there really isn't a conventional wisdom to this cycle. The electorate isn't particularly inclined to follow any rule the punditry prescribes for it.
This very tough primary race will have a few good outcomes. First, it gave Bennet his first tough campaign, experience that he's going to need in the general. His opponent there will be Ken Buck the incredibly gaffe-proned Tea Party candidate and Weld County District Attorney.
At a campaign event, in apparent response to a Norton ad calling on him to "be man enough," Buck said voters should pick him because he "does not wear high heels." When Tom Tancredo called Obama a greater threat to the country than Al Qaeda, Buck was caught saying "I can't believe that guy opened his mouth," and was later forced to concede there was "truth" in Tancredo's statement. Finally, he was recorded by a Democratic operative calling birther members of the Tea Party "dumbasses."
I have a feeling Colorado is going to be an interesting to watch. But the second thing that this primary did was really motivate voters. Turnout was massive, and Colorado Dems became very engaged. A big unity rally tomorrow will be the first attempt at bringing them together for facing Buck.
The race between the plagiarist and UN conspiracy theorist remained too close to call throughout the night and as of this writing. It could be weeks before provisional and overseas ballots are counted and Hickenlooper knows who he faces.
Finally, it's the return of the Bushes. Walker Stapleton, George W's first cousin, won the Republican primary for state treasurer. Oh, joy.
Update: The update for the morning, Maes is declaring victory, and as of this report, McInnis wasn't conceding. "Maes beat McInnis by about 5,300 votes with 100 percent of the precincts reporting." Tancredo remains in the race as the American Constitution Party. Unless Dem John Hickenlooper really, really messes up in the next three months, Dems keep the govnernor's seat.