Bennet - Running Behind Norton

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet has failed to make much of an impression with Colorado voters – hence, is subject to the vicissitudes of the national Democratic Party, which is fairing poorly today. In a new statewide poll, he loses to little know former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton.

Rasmussen polls are known for tight voter-intention screens and weighing that make them more conservative. But, in 2010, that approach is prudent. Voter turnout will be down. Democratic enthusiasm is at a low level while Republicans are more unified and enthusiastic than in recent years.


Bennet is only slightly ahead of Andrew Romanoff, who also loses to Norton.

As mentioned, Bennet has a weak favorability impression with a high negative.

Bad Timing

On the same day Stephanie Villafuerte dropped her bid to become Colorado U.S. Attorney, Rasmussen Reports published a poll showing Governor Bill Ritter’s approval rating still below 50 percent and losing to Republican rival Scott McInnis 48 percent to 40 percent. Ritter’s approval has been below 50 percent for a year, and that is the second poll showing him losing re-election.


The Villafuerte controversy was largely created by the decision to nominate her for U.S. Attorney – another in a long list of political missteps by Bill Ritter.