Yesterday, Colorado Springs held their elections for their first strong Mayor, City Council and two ballot issues. Turnout was high at over 55%, the highest for a city election since 1995, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.
Colorado Springs voters passed the new rules restructuring the role of the Mayor and the City Council just last November. Going forward, the Mayor will take on more of an executive role, with the City Council becoming the legislative branch of city government. Previously the Mayor presided as the President of the City Council.
Even with approximately 10,000 ballots left to count, it appears no mayoral candidate will receive more than 50% of the vote, leading to a runoff. Richard Skorman, a Democrat and former city councilman, lead the vote at 36%, with Steve Bach, a Republican and commercial real estate broker, second at 34%.
The two will face-off in an all-mail election on May 17.
The city council races all appear settled, pending the final ballot count, with only District 3 potentially too close to call, as there is only a 155 vote difference with many ballots remaining.
Sources tell the Peak that Skorman's strong showing was a reflection of Democrats rallying around his campaign, and boosting turnout of liberals. You can't blame liberals for getting excited about even a sliver of a chance of success in the Springs. Liberalism is generally viewed as an infectious disease in El Paso.
While Skorman may have performed well in yesterday's election, he stands virtually no chance of success on May 17. Colorado Springs is the Republican's San Francisco — liberals need not apply.