TV Money Pulling Out; Should Colorado Voters Still Vote?

Is it getting too late to cast a vote that matters? Mail-in ballots are out, early voting locations are open, and yesterday the Denver Post carried a headline that sounded a bit like Republicans were giving up in Colorado. Say it isn't so! As a swing state, we are supposed to be a close call in the Presidential election and maybe the Senatorial as well. Is it over already?

Despite any effect the Denver Post might have had today in leading with news that Republican TV buys here are being cut, Channel 2 news and emails from the leading candidates made it clear that it's still a hot race in Colorado. In fact, John McCain will be here for an arena rally today (Friday) at the National Western facility where the world-famous stock show is held, and Barack Obama is scheduled to speak on Sunday in Civic Center Park, where during the DNC a wide variety of speakers presented their own protests and visions for the future.

In addition, a congressional district race also mentioned by the Denver Post as losing TV ad money is still going strong, and our Senatorial race between 'Boulder Liberal' Mark Udall and opponent and former congressman who exited through self-imposed term limits 'Oilman' Bob Schaeffer is still hot and heavy.

It has been clear also that poll numbers are very questionable, and personal impressions even more so. Along with Colorado residents, I am hearing from others around the country that they don't know too many others supporting McCain/Palin, but I have also noticed through news, anecdotes and my own personal experience that in some crowds and even with friends, questioning the inevitability of Obama's election can be socially risky, and sometimes even more dangerous. And, truth be told, the energy of the Obama campaign is just more visible, many find it contagious no matter what their political leaning.

Colorado's ballot is two legal-sized cards, both sides jammed with names and initiatives. It's clear that voters can still make a difference nationally, and we should never discount our local effect as well!

Like with the weather teasers on TV, you can expect news media to tease you about whether Colorado has 'decided.' You might even suspect some media of being aware of their influence, since some like the Post have made no secret of their editorial board's choice for President. On the other hand, while the Rocky Mountain News did mention the reduced ad buy at the bottom of their tabloid front page, they apparently produced an opinion piece taking quite a bite out of Senate candidate Mark Udall's campaign claims.

Most of all, we have put up with endless negative bickering on TV in so many races, including the Presidential. It seems like most of us will be glad they are being reduced, both sides were playing fast and loose with the facts and probably driving a lot of voters to despair. How to choose when both sides have descended to such depths? Where do you go to find the truth, or even some positive information? The undecideds in Colorado have been said to be waiting until they have a little more substance. The elections are definitely not over yet, and you can check out both Presidential candidates who are counting on Colorado voters, in person in the next few days!