It’s a bad time to be an incumbent Democrat:
Like many Democrats nationwide these days, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter who was easily elected in 2006 finds himself trailing his chief Republican opponent in a potential 2010 match-up.
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state shows former GOP Congressman Scott McInnis ahead of Ritter 48% to 40%. Four percent (4%) like some other candidate, and seven percent (7%) are undecided.
This is down from McInnis/Ritter 44/39 in September, and can’t really be blamed on the health care rationing bill, although it’s entirely possible that the Democrats’ recent decision to shut down the coal industry is a factor here. What makes this fascinating to watch is that Bill Ritter was a 2006 Golden Child; even in 2008 he was popular. Right now Colorado Democrats should be giving serious consideration to trying to replace him in the primary.
Won’t happen, of course.
Moe Lane
PS: Scott McInnis’ website is here.
Crossposted to RedState.