DU Panel of Experts Offer Their 2018 Midterm Predictions

A panel of political experts assembled by the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research at the University of Denver’s Korbel School reviewed the range of state and national political topics in the 2018 midterm election.

Floyd Ciruli, director of the Crossley Center, leads a discussion with (from left) Republican campaign strategist Dick Wadhams, Democratic strategist Steve Welchert, ballot initiative manager Fofi Mendez, Colorado Municipal League Executive Director Sam Mamet and KOA Radio managing editor Jerry Bell | Joey Bunch/Colorado Politics

In general, the panel perceived 2018 as having advantages for Democrats, especially in Colorado. In an article describing the discussion, Colorado Politics reporter Joey Bunch wrote:

Floyd Ciruli, director of the Crossley Center, moderated the two-hour discussion on candidates and issues. He said polls and the decisions by both national parties to withdraw money from the 6th Congressional District race suggest Coffman, the five-term incumbent, also might be in deep trouble as a blue wave gathers.

As with Stapleton, national events could overtake his candidacy. He said the race would have little directly to do with Coffman or his challenger, Democrat Jason Crow, and more to do with Trump and the energy on the left.

“He’s no doubt in trouble, Mr. Coffman, but to say he’s going to lose, I still think is very difficult, because of the amazing ability he’s had to survive in difficult years.”

. . .

The panel convened by the Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research at DU agreed that Stapleton and U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, a usually popular incumbent from Aurora, are running in a tough environment for Republicans this year.

Usually Republicans can separate themselves from the national party to appeal to local voters, but President Trump has kept the focus on him, making this midterm a referendum on his politics and antics.