Further analysis of the Quinnipiac Poll released today shows that liberal Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper has lost Colorado’s independents – 51% of independents don’t think Hick deserves reelection to just 41% who do. Further, in every head-to-head to match-up between Hickenlooper and a possible Republican challenger, Colorado independents favor the Republican every time. Here’s a handy guide to how Hick fares against the Republican candidates among independents:
Hick vs. Tancredo (37-46)
Hick vs. Gessler (40-42)
Hick vs. Brophy (37-40)
Hick vs. Kopp (38-42)
In a state that divides itself in thirds— a third Democrat, a third Republican, and a third Independent—the candidate who captures the most independents usually wins. So, best of luck to you, Gov!
The truth is that Hick’s moderate sheen has grown dull only to expose the true liberal that he is. In fact, 45% of independents think he’s too liberal. Then, again, maybe it’s just that independents don’t particularly care for a governor who lacks independence…from East Coast special interests, from unions, from convicted killers. Who hasn’t Hickenlooper kowtowed to?
I would suggest it is your Republican "outlook" itself that has you "depressed."
After seeing an article on the same poll in the Gazette, I reviewed that actual poll numbers. This article is misleading at best. Hick is currently leading in the polls against all Republican challengers. That type of trickery is what MSM usually does. Please be on the up and up next time. Your readers expect nothing less.
I mean, Hick has a fairly cozy 6-9 point lead in the actual head-to-head polling. And a decent 52 percent job approval.
I am frankly a little surprised at how well he is doing given the general troubles of the Democrats nationally and their specific problems here. But it is what it is. Maybe we need a better, field-clearing candidate. Or maybe we need to focus on winning the legislature.
It is so depressing being a Republican here, despite the fact that the state is, ideologically, the kind of place where the GOP should be in much better shape.
Except that you guys didn't mention data from the Q poll that shows Hick beating any R challenger: Here's the actual Q data (http://bit.ly/1dqVCNG )
Hickenlooper tops possible Republican challengers:
48 – 39 percent over former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo;
46 – 40 percent over Secretary of State Scott Gessler;
47 – 37 percent over State Sen. Greg Brophy;
47 – 38 percent over State Sen. Mike Kopp.