Swanky Douglas County paints a new political reality

With its swanky private country clubs, large estates and high per-capita income, Douglas County just south of the Denver metro area is a major Republican stronghold in Colorado. The county, which has the state’s highest average median household income at $82,929, has only gone for a Democratic presidential candidate three times since 1920 — twice for FDR in the 1930s and 40s, and once for Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

Finishing strong: The final 96 hours with Musgrave, Markey

For political races running neck in neck, the final 96 hours of a campaign can be some of the most important. Although it may be hard for the political diehards to believe, polling soundly shows that 5-10 percent of the electorate only begin to pay attention to the election, the candidates and the issues in the final week of the election. Although media and politicos think everyone has been kept up to date throughout the cycle, political experts say those voters who are late to the party can make a difference in races that are on the margin in the final week.

Colorado’s swing county vows it’s election-ready

Tie together one of Colorado’s most populated counties with registration numbers that split almost evenly among Republicans, Democrats and unaffiliated voters and you can bet Arapahoe County is on everyone’s political map this year. In fact, there isn’t a politico in Colorado that doesn’t consider Arapahoe one of the state’s most clear-cut swing counties in an important swing state.

Defenders of Wildlife called out by GOP for attack ads

After spending more than $1.5 million this election cycle to unseat Republican Rep. Marilyn Musgrave as as well other ad campaigns against Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a group of GOP senators said The Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund (DOW) is abusing its tax-exempt status as a nonprofit.

Big changes coming to traditional newspapers

While the nation focuses on the upcoming election next week, many major media companies are making important announcements that are flying under the public’s radar.

UPDATED: Nearly 150,000 Coloradans rally for Obama on Sunday

DENVER and FORT COLLINS — It was Colorado’s biggest show yet.

After Barack Obama attracted 19,000 to a February rally on the University of Denver campus, people knew the Illinois senator was going to be popular in Colorado. Then came Obama’s acceptance speech at Mile High Stadium during the Democratic National Convention attended by 84,000 in August. Then, with one week remaining before America votes on Election Day, Obama drew an estimated 100,000 people to Civic Center Park in Denver for a morning rally followed by another in Fort Collins that drew another 45,000 to Colorado State University.

UPDATE: View the photo gallery of the Denver and Fort Collins events inside.

UPDATED: Liveblog: McCain rally in Denver

Abreast a giant American flag on the stage of the National Western Arena a packed rally for GOP presidential nominee John McCain is getting underway.

NEW: Photo gallery of the rally and protester arrests. See inside.

Oil and gas changes Mesa County politics

For Colorado residents living on the Western Slope, being an outdoors enthusiast is not something they do on the weekends, it’s a way of life.

Mesa County, home to 120,000 people in 15 communities including Grand Junction, is home to hunters, fisherman and general nature lovers who see the environment as a part of their identity and their culture. It’s no surprise the oil and natural gas boom that has enveloped the county in recent years is coming with mixed reviews and subtle shifts in the political climate.

McCain rally disrupted by protesters

A John McCain supporter wrapped in an American flag screams at a protester as he is hauled out of the McCain rally by Denver Police. (Photo/Jason Kosena)

To read The Colorado Independent’s LiveBlog of the McCain event click here.

Markey’s October fund raising kicks into high gear

Democrat Betsy Markey outraised her Republican opponent, Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, by a 2-1 margin during the first two weeks of October, according to campaign finance filings both campaigns filed with the FEC on Thursday. Markey, a Fort Collins resident, raised an average of $25,546 per day between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, far outpacing Musgrave, who collected $10,001 per day during the same period. Both women are hoping to represent the 4th Congressional District in Colorado next year.