2008 Colorado election preview: State House races

In a year that looks pretty good for Democrats, Republicans will be hard-pressed to make a big dent in the Democrats' 15-seat majority in the state House of Representatives.

But that doesn't mean all is lost for the GOP. House District 40 looks virtually certain to return to the Republicans, one year after Debbie Stafford turned rogue and delivered it into Democrats' hands.

There also appear to be a number of close races shaping up, the most interesting of these being House Districts 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 37, and 56.

Other potentially interesting races include House Districts 17, 33, 39, 52, 55 and 57.

Only competitive state House seats are profiled. Running unopposed are Democrats Beth McCann (state House District 8), Ed Casso (District 32), Nancy Todd (District 41), Sal Pace ( District 46), and Kathleen Curry (District 61). Republicans Steve King (District 54) Ellen Roberts (District 59), and Cory Gardner (District 63) are also running unopposed this year.

1st STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jeanne Labuda (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Jeanne Labuda (Democratic): State representative from Denver
• Tom Thomason (Republican): Businessman from Denver

Overview: Could Republicans take back the Denver-area seat? Some Democrats are worried. The Denver Post's endorsement of Labuda was about as lukewarm as a political endorsement can get.

What to look for: If Labuda loses, it would be a big wake-up call for Denver-area Democrats who assume consistent voter support.

2nd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Mark Ferrandino (Democratic): State representative from Denver
• Doc Miller (Republican): Teacher, criminal defense lawyer and private investigator from Denver

Overview: Ferrandino, appointed to the seat in 2007, is a rising name in Statehouse Democratic politics. Democrats have a 4-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans in the district, so Ferrandino isn't going anywhere.

What to look for: Where the best hipster Election Night parties are on South Broadway

3rd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Anne MiGihon (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Paul Linton (Republican): Attorney from Denver
• Anne MiGihon (Democratic): State representative from Denver

Overview: MiGihon should win re-election in a good Democratic year in a reliably Democratic district.

What to look for: MiGihon's challenge of Bernie Buescher for House Speaker next session. She says she has the votes, though many are skeptical of that claim.

4th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jerry Frangas (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Jerry Frangas (Democratic): State representative from Denver
• Rick Nevin (Republican): Businessman from Denver
• Malachi "Tiny" Martinez (Libertarian) (write-in): Chef from Denver

Overview: Frangas need not worry about re-election, thanks to a 4-1 ratio of registered Democrats to registered Republicans in the district.

What to look for: A Frangas victory

5th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Joel Judd (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Joel Judd (Democratic): State representative from Denver
• J.J. Swiontek (Republican): Communications technician from Denver

Overview: If the race were decided by who could grow the best beard, Swiontek would win in a landslide. But fortunately for Judd, voter registration numbers, money, and name recognition are all solidly in his favor

What to look for: Swiontek continuing to deliver speeches at the Speaker's Corner at Civic Center Park

6th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Lois Court (Democratic): fomer legislative aide and former City of Denver department head from Denver
• Joshua Sharf (Republican): Blogger and radio talk show co-host from Denver

Overview: Court and Sharf were the victors of two of the most interesting primary races in the state this August: Court survived a tough three-way primary, while Sharf handily beat Palestinian activist Rima Sinclair after calling her a "terror apologist" and "avowed enemy of Israel." Sharf has worked hard to campaign, but the district - currently held by House Speaker Romanoff - is too Democratic for this to be a truly competitive race.

What to look for: Court to win.

7th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: Assistant House Majority Leader Terrance Carroll (D-Denver)

Candidates:

• Terrance Carroll (Democratic): Assistant House Majority Leader from Denver
• Josh Raines (Republican): Student and Air Force veteran from Denver

Overview: Carroll was elected Assistant House Majority Leader this spring largely out of recognition for his ability to raise money and campaign for House Democrats. Raines, a 25-year-old student at the University of Colorado - Denver, served with the U.S. Air Force in Iraq from 2003-2004.

What to look for: Carroll to win.

9th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Alice Borodkin (D-Denver) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Joe Miklosi (Democratic): Colorado state Director of Progressive Majority and former Democratic State House Caucus director from Denver
• James Landauer (Republican): Retired pharmaceutical/health care worker from Denver

Overview: Observers say Miklosi should win easily in this Democratic district

What to look for: A Miklosi victory

10th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: House Majority Leader Alice Madden (D-Boulder) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Dorothy Marshall (Republican): Businesswoman from Boulder
• Dickey Hullinghorst (Democrat): Former Boulder County director of intergovernmental relations and public affairs from Longmont

Overview: Democrats have a solid voter advantage here, and Hullinghorst should win.

What to look for: Hullinghorst to win.

11th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jack Pommer (D-Boulder)

Candidates:

• Jack Pommer (Democratic): State representative from Boulder
• Catherine Jarrett (Republican): Retired teacher from Longmont

Overview: Pommer has the incumbency advantage in a Democratic-leaning district.

What to look for: Pommer to win.

12th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Paul Weissmann (D-Louisville)

Candidates:

• Dan Lucas (Republican): Attorney from Louisville
• Paul Weissmann: State representative from Louisville

Overview: The district leans Democratic, though there are a significant number of unaffiliateds. Lucas has received little party or independent support. Weissmann, with an impressive knowledge of parliamentary procedure, is a prominent member of the House Democratic Caucus despite losing his bid to become Assistant House Majority Leader this spring.

What to look for: Weissmann to win

13th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Claire Levy (D-Boulder)

Candidates:

• Claire Levy (Democratic): State representative from Boulder
• Robert Houdeshell (Republican): Businessman from Idaho Springs

Overview: Levy should win re-election in a heavily Democratic district.

What to look for: A Levy win

14th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Kent Lambert (R-Colorado Springs)

Candidates:

• Chyrese Exline (Democratic): 2007 School District 11 Board candidate from Colorado Springs
• Kent Lambert (Republican): State representative from Colorado Springs

Overview: Lambert's a GOP mainstay in the state legislature, and registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats in the district almost 3-1.

What to look for: Lambert to win.

15th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Douglas Bruce (R-Colorado Springs) was defeated in the Republican primary election

Candidates:

• Michelle Maksimowicz (Democratic): Retired educator from Colorado Springs
• Mark Waller (Republican): Attorney from Colorado Springs

Overview: Statehouse Democrats and Republicans alike breathed a sigh of relief when Waller beat the curmudgeonly Douglas Bruce in the August primary. Waller should have little trouble on Tuesday in a district where Republicans have a greater than 2-1 voter registration advantage.

What to look for: Bruce's next step. Does he want a rematch with Waller in 2010, or will he move to the 19th District to take on Marsha Looper, as has been rumored?

16th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Larry Liston (R-Colorado Springs)

Candidates:

• Richard Flores (Democratic): Firefighter from Colorado Springs
• Larry Liston (Republican): State representative from Colorado Springs

Overview: Despite the occasional gaffe - such as calling unwed teenage mothers "sluts" during a House GOP caucus meeting this spring - Liston should have little problem winning re-election in this Republican-leaning district.

What to look for: Liston to win despite losing the unwed teenage mother vote

17th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Stella Garza Hicks (D-Denver) is not seeking re-election

Candidates:

• Dennis Apuan (Democratic): Businessman and non-profit administrator from Colorado Springs
• Kit Roupe (Republican): former El Paso County Commission candidate and activist from Colorado Springs

Overview: It's the only Colorado Springs-area seat where Democrats have anything close to a realistic chance of taking a Republican-held state House seat. Registered Democrats actually outnumber registered Republicans in the district 9,346-8,041, though unaffiliated voters make up 38 percent of registered voters there and Republican Mark Cloer easily held the district until Garza Hicks was appointed as his successor in 2006. Fort Carson Army base is within the district, resulting in a significant numbers of transient voters. It could be the dark horse race of the campaign to watch on Election Night.

What to look for: Obama's coattails. Apuan will need support from unaffiliateds and non-native military personnel who might not be looking at local races.

18th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs)

Candidates:

• Katherine Szot (Republican): Paralegal from Colorado Springs
• Michael Merrifield (Democratic): State representative from Colorado Springs

Overview: Merrifield has survived everything Republicans could have thrown at him in previous elections, and even GOP officials concede he's not going anywhere this year.

What to look for: Continued Republican annoyance at a Democrat holding a state House seat in Colorado Springs

19th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Marsha Looper (R-Calhan)

Candidates:

• Marsha Looper (Republican): State representative from Calhan
• Jimmy Phillips (Democratic): U.S. Army veteran, telecommunications worker from Yoder

Overview: During her first term, Looper drew the most attention for sponsoring a guest worker program

What to look for:

20th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Amy Stephens (R-Monument)

Candidates:

• Amy Stephens (Republican): State representative from Monument
• Jan Hejtmanek (Democratic): Former mortgage agent from Colorado Springs

Overview: Stephens should hold onto her seat, thanks to a 4-1 registered Republican advantage over registered Democrats in the district

What to look for: Stephens to win

21st STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Bob Gardner (R-Colorado Springs)

Candidates:

• Bob Gardner (Republican): State representative from Colorado Springs
• Anna Lord (Democratic): Manitou Springs School District 14 Board President from Green Mountain Falls

Overview: Democrats have talked up Lord, but the district is too Republican for her to win in.

What to look for: Gardner to win.

22nd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Ken Summers (R-Lakewood)

Candidates:

• Camille Ryckman (Democratic): Former teacher from Lakewood
• Ken Summers (Republican): State representative from Lakewood

Overview: Ryckman has posed a surprisingly strong challenge to Summers in a slightly GOP-leaning district. The two are about even in fundraising,

What to look for: Ryckman has an outside chance of an upset.

23rd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Gwyn Green (D-Golden)

Candidates:

• Gwyn Green (Democratic): State representative from Golden
• Mary Lynn Wagner (Republican): Elementary school teacher from Golden

Overview:

What to look for:

24th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Cheri Jahn (D-Wheat Ridge) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Sue Schafer (Democratic): former Colorado Department of Education curriculum director and activist from Wheat Ridge
• Cheryl Palm (Republican): Tour guide, House District 24 GOP Vice Chair from Lakewood

Overview: Schafer, who squeaked by primary opponent Dave Ruchman by 17 votes in August, has the advantage in money and voter registration numbers.

What to look for: Schafer should win by a more comfortable margin this time around.

25th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Rob Witwer (R-Evergreen) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Cheri Gerou (Republican): Architect from Evergreen
• Andrew Scripter (Democratic): Banker from Arvada
• Jack Woehr (Libertarian): Computer programmer from Golden

Overview: Democrats have had their eye on stealing this politically moderate district from Republican hands, but observers say Gerou has the upper hand.

What to look for: An outside chance of a Scripter victory, if everything goes the Democrats' way

26th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood)

Candidates:

• Andy Kerr (Democratic): State representative from Lakewood
• Ray Warren (Republican): Retired Army office, former City of Lakewood HR director from Lakewood

Overview: Kerr has a large fundraising advantage in a traditionally Democratic-leaning district.

What to look for: Kerr to win.

27th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada)

Candidates:

• John Bodnar (Republican): Real estate broker from Arvada
• Amanda Campbell (American Constitution): Business consultant from Arvada
• Sara Gagliardi (Democratic): State representative from Arvada

Overview: There's been a bit of worry about Gagliardi, though Democrats have been more confident in this race as of late.

What to look for: An outside chance of an upset by Bodnar

28th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jim Kerr (D-Littleton)

Candidates:

• Tom Dittemore (Democratic): Carpenter from Littleton
• Jim Kerr (Republican): State representative from Littleton

Overview: Kerr should be re-elected in this GOP-leaning district

What to look for: A Kerr win

29th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Debbie Benefield (D-Arvada)

Candidates:

• Debbie Benefield (Democratic): State representative from Arvada
• Mary Arnold (Republican): Research librarian from Arvada

Overview: Democrats and Republicans are about even in the district, but few are worried that Benefield is in trouble.

What to look for: Benefield to win.

30th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Mary Hodge (D-Brighton) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Kevin Priola (Republican): Farmer from Henderson
• Dave Rose (Democratic): Former Brighton mayor and elementary school principal from Brighton from Brighton

Overview: Observers say Rose isn't the best campaigner, though as an elementary school principal he's known to many voters from their childhood. The two are running about even in fundraising.

What to look for: A potentially close race.

31st STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Judy Solano (D-Brighton)

Candidates:

• Judy Solano (Democratic): State representative from Brighton
• Holly Hansen (Republican): Marketing consultant and freelance reporter from Thornton

Overview: There's been talk of an upset, though most observers predict Solano will hold onto the seat.

What to look for: A possibility of an upset

33rd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield)

Candidates:

• Nick Kliebenstein (Republican): Businessman from Broomfield
• Dianne Primavera (Democratic): State representative from Broomfield

Overview: Primavera narrowly won in 2006 over Bill Berens, but few express worry that she's in trouble this year. But Democratic mailers sent out last month call Kliebenstein's health care plan the "Worst. Idea. Ever." - an attack Kliebenstein says shows concern among Democrats about his candidacy. Primavera has raised a little more than $100,000 for the campaign - three times what Kliebenstein. Registered Republicans narrowly outnumber registered Democrats in the district.

What to look for: An outside chance of an upset. But when Primavera was elected in 2006, Republicans chalked the victory up to a bad year for the GOP. This election cycle looks even worse for the Republicans.

34th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. John Soper (D-Thornton)

Candidates:

• Tom Bopp (Republican): Home inspector from Denver
• Tony D'Lallo (Green): High school economics/civics teacher from Thornton
• John Soper (Democratic): State representative from Thornton

Overview: Soper, who won uncontested in 2006, should get another win this year.

What to look for: Soper to win.

35th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Cherylin Peniston (D-Westminster)

Candidates:

• Tracy Gimer (Republican): Materials handler from Denver
• Cherylin Peniston (Democratic): State representative from Westminster

Overview: Gimer's Secretary of State financial report shows he has raised literally no money for his campaign. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district 2-1, and Gimer has said he's only running to keep Peniston from being elected unopposed.

What to look for: A no-sweat victory for Peniston

36th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) is running for state Senate

Candidates:

• Kathy Green (Republican): Businesswoman from Aurora
• Su Ryden (Democratic): Advertising/PR consultant from Aurora

Overview: Ryden should win this race given the district's Democratic leanings.

What to look for: Ryden to win.

37th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Spencer Swalm (R-Centennial)

Candidates:

• Diana Holland (Democratic): Former Littleton Public Schools Board of Education president from Centennial
• Brian Olds (Libertarian): Business owner from Centennial
• Spencer Swalm (Republican): State representative from Centennial

Overview: Democrats really wanted another shot at Swalm after Angela Engel lost to Swalm in 2006 by less than 800 votes. Holland's a stronger candidate than Engel, Gov. Bill Ritter held a fundraiser for her (the only fundraiser Ritter has attended on behalf of a state House candidate facing an incumbent this year), and it's a Democratic year overall. But even Democrats are privately conceding that all these factors likely won't be enough for Holland to overcome the district's GOP leanings.

What to look for: Swalm to win.

38th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Joe Rice (D-Littleton)

Candidates:

• Dave Kerber (Republican): Business owner from Greenwood Village
• Joe Rice (Democratic): State representative from Littleton

Overview: The district favors Republicans, but Rice is popular and is likely to win. Rice, a U.S. Army reserve officer, returned to the legislature in February from his third tour of duty in Iraq.

What to look for: A Rice victory.

39th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: Assistant Minority Leader David Balmer (R-Centennial)

Candidates:

• David Balmer (Republican): State representative from Centennial
• Mollie Cullom (Democratic): School social worker from Centennial

Overview: Balmer is likely, but not guaranteed, to win. Some Democrats feel Cullom has a shot at toppling the assistant House minority leader, but it would be quite an achievement given Balmer's incumbency and the district's GOP leanings.

What to look for: Even if Balmer can pull out a victory, he may soon face another battle within the House GOP caucus next session to keep his leadership post.

40th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Debbie Stafford (D-Aurora) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Cindy Acree (Republican): Businesswoman from Aurora
• Karen Wilde (Democratic): Former Executive Secretary for Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs from Aurora

Overview: The seat is the only sure Republican pickup of Democratic state House seat this year. The only reason the Democrats held the GOP-leaning district in the first place is that Stafford switched over from the Republican Party in the fall of 2007.

What to look for: A really, really optimistic Democrat who doesn't think the GOP will take this seat back. There's gotta be a few out there somewhere.

42nd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora) is running for state Senate

Candidates:

• George Carouthers (Republican): Resident of Aurora
• James Frye (Libertarian): Retired IT project manager from Aurora
• Karen Middleton (Democratic): State Board of Education member from Aurora

Overview: The seat opened up unexpectedly as part of the musical chairs that took place following former state Rep. Michael Garcia's departure from politics following allegations in February that he exposed himself to a female lobbyist. The district is solidly Democratic, and Middleton has name ID from running for SBOE.

What to look for: An easy win for Middleton.

43rd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Frank McNulty (R-Highlands Ranch)

Candidates:

• Frank McNulty (Republican); State representative from Highlands Ranch
• John Stevens (Democratic): Attorney from Highlands Ranch

Overview: Republicans have few more reliable strongholds in Colorado than in Highlands Ranch. McNulty has been one of the GOP's more visible legislators, and shouldn't face any problems this year.

What to look for: A McNulty victory - though it's hard to predict the same for his electoral referendum, Amendment 52.

44th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: House Minority Leader Mike May (R-Parker)

Candidates:

• Mike May (Republican): House Minority Leader from Parker
• Shelly Tokerud (Democratic): 2006 state Senate District 30 Democratic nominee from Parker

Overview: May has nothing to worry about from Tokerud in a solidly Republican district.

What to look for:

45th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Victor Mitchell (R-Castle Rock) declined to seek re-election

Candidates:

• Holly Gorman (Democratic): Denver Public Schools restorative justice coordinator from Castle Rock
• Carole Murray (Republican): Former Douglas County Clerk and Recorder from Castle Rock

Overview: During the Democratic National Convention, Assistant House Majority Leader Terrance Carroll talked of Gorman winning over Murray. But Carroll's since become less enthusiastic about taking the seat - understandable as half the voters in the district are registered Republicans. Gorman was endorsed by the Denver Post, but Murray has name recognition in populous DougCo from her time as clerk and recorder.

What to look for: A Murray victory

47th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Buffie McFayden (D-Pueblo West)

Candidates:

• Buffie McFayden (Democratic): State representative from Pueblo West
• Troy Sammons (Republican): Business owner from Pueblo West

Overview: McFayden is expected to win re-election over political unknown Sammons.

What to look for: A win for McFayden

48th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Glenn Vaad (R-Mead)

Candidates:

• Glenn Vaad (Republican): State representative from Mead
• Bill Williams (Democratic): Retired air traffic controller from Frederick

Overview: It's a safe Republican district, and Vaad has the support needed to win re-election.

What to look for: Vaad to win

49th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Kevin Lundberg (R-Berthoud)

Candidates:

• Kevin Lundberg (Republican): State representative from Berthoud
• James Ross (Democratic): Colorado State University political science lecturer from Fort Collins

Overview: Three-term incumbent Lundberg should win a fourth term in this GOP-leaning district.

What to look for: Lundberg to win.

50th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jim Riesberg (D-Greeley)

Candidates:

• Scott Helman (Republican): Businessman and entrepreneur from Evans
• Jim Riesberg (Democratic): State representative from Greeley

Overview: Riesberg got 58 percent of the vote in 2006, and there's little reason to believe he won't get a similar victory this year. Greeley has been ground zero for a deluge of Democratic canvassing and advertising for top-ticket Democratic candidates Barack Obama, Mark Udall and Betsy Markey, and Riesberg could grab on to some coattails.

What to look for: A Riesberg victory

51st STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Don Marostica (R-Loveland)

Candidates:

• Ken Bennett (Democratic): Retired school administrator from Loveland
• Don Marostica (Republican): State representative from Loveland

Overview: Marostica has outraised Bennett 8-1 and shouldn't have any trouble being elected to a second term.

What to look for: If hard economic times will increase support Marostica's proposal for a four-day work week for state employees

52nd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. John Kefalas (D-Fort Collins)

Candidates:

• John Kefalas (Democratic): State representative from Fort Collins
• Bob McCluskey (Republican): Former state representative and former Fort Collins mayor

Overview: It's the third race in a row between Kefalas and McCluskey for the seat: McCluskey won in 2004, and Kefalas took the seat in 2006. Kefalas has had union help and will also get a significant boost from GOTV efforts on behalf of higher-profile Democrats Barack Obama, Mark Udall and Betsy Markey. McCluskey doesn't have to worry about name recognition thanks to his long political career.

What to look for: Kefalas to win the rubber match between himself and McCluskey.

53rd STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Randy Fischer (D-Fort Collins)

Candidates:

• Randy Fischer (Democratic): State representative from Fort Collins
• Donna Gallup (Republican): Virginia State Senator Steve Newman campaign manager from Fort Collins

Overview: Few see any problems with Fischer being re-elected.

What to look for: A Fischer win.

55th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Bernie Buescher (D-Grand Junction)

Candidates:

• Bernie Buescher (Democratic): State representative from Grand Junction
• Laura Bradford (Republican): Businesswoman and former House District 55 GOP Chair from Collbran

Overview: Bradford's the strongest candidate to face Buescher for the seat, but Republicans were expecting more from her to unseat Buescher, who if re-elected will likely become Speaker of the House next session. Bradford needs a big turnout from the GOP base of Clifton.

What to look for: Speaker of the House Bernie Buescher in 2009.

56th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Christine Scanlan (D-Dillon)

Candidates:

• Ali Hasan (Republican): Documentary filmmaker from Avon
• Christine Scanlan (Democratic): State representative from Dillon

Overview: Scanlan hasn't run a particularly energetic campaign - at least compared to Hasan, who has knocked on (by his campaign's estimate) more than 20,000 doors and has spent more than $250,000 of his family's money on the race. Scanlan, who was appointed to the seat in 2007, doesn't have the name recognition an incumbent would normally enjoy. Hasan's soap-opera antics have made him a novelty to many political observers.

What to look for: A much more interesting session next year if Hasan is elected.

57th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Al White (R-Hayden) is term-limited

Candidates:

• Randy Baumgardner (Republican): Rancher and CDOT employee from Hot Sulphur Springs
• Todd Hagenbuch (Democratic): Rancher from Phippsburg

Overview: Hagenbuch is a fourth-generation rancher and is known around the district. But with White's popularity, turnout for his Senate District 8 race will help Baumgardner. Also, the Western Slope is one of a limited number of areas where John McCain will provide coattails down the ticket.

What to look for: A small chance of an upset, but a likely victory by Baumgardner

58th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

OPEN SEAT: State Rep. Ray Rose (R-Montrose) is not seeking re-election

Candidates:

• Noelle Hagan (Democratic): Former mayor of Montrose
• Scott Tipton (Republican): 2006 3rd Congressional District GOP nominee from Cortez

Overview: Scott Tipton has money and name recognition from running against U.S. Rep. John Salazar (D-Manassa) in 2006. But Hagan has a strong base in Montrose, the district's population center.

What to look for: Turnout in Montrose County - Hagan will need it to remain competitive

60th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Tom Massey (R-Poncha Springs)

Candidates:

• Cal Cali (Democratic): Crestone Area Visitor's Agency owner from Crestone
• Tom Massey (Republican): State representative from Poncha Springs

Overview: Massey should be easily re-elected in this reliably Republican district

What to look for:

62st STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Rafael Gallegos (D-Antonito)

Candidates:

• Rafael Gallegos (Democratic): State representative from Antonito (write-in)
• Randy Jackson (Republican): Furniture maker from Alamosa
• Ed Vigil (Democratic): Costilla County commissioner from Fort Garland

Overview: Six months ago, Gallegos' re-election chances seemed all but certain. Then he got whipped at the House District 64 assembly, and then missed the deadline to petition his way onto the August primary ballot. Meanwhile, Rocky White, the overwhelming winner of the HD-62 caucus, lost to Vigil in the Democratic primary.

Gallegos is now campaigning as a write-in candidate, and Republicans are helping him out in an attempt to split support for Vigil in this solidly Democratic district.

What to look for: A Vigil victory. Gallegos is done.

64th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Wes McKinley (D-Walsh)

Candidates:

• Wes McKinley (Democratic): State representative from Walsh
• Ken Torres (Republican): Las Animas County Commissioner from Weston

Overview: Over the summer, some Republicans got excited by the prospect of Torres knocking off Eastern Plains poster child McKinley. But Republicans have largely given up on those hopes. Torres is fairly popular in Las Animas County, but he's not well-known elsewhere and is short on cash.

What to look for: McKinley will be re-elected.

65th STATE HOUSE DISTRICT

Incumbent: State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling)

Candidates:

• Dan Conn (unaffiliated): High school history teacher from Fleming (write-in)
• Jerry Sonnenberg (Republican): State representative from Sterling

Overview: It's a competitive race in name only. Conn is running to provide a learning experience for his high school students and so Sonnenberg wouldn't run opposed for a second straight term.

What to look for: A good civics lesson and a Sonnenberg victory

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated, in error, that state Rep. Rosemary Marshall is the current state representative in House District 13. Claire Levy is the incumbent in House District 13.