Buck was ahead +3.0; Gardner is ahead +3.8 and gaining right now. (I'd also note that Udall was ahead +12.5 in 2008 and only won +10.3, even as Obama significantly underperformed in polling; we can't rule out, based on Udall's history, that it is Gardner polls are underestimating).
Also, +8 on the generic ballot looks fantastic for our chances at the state legislature. If Beauprez pulls it out, we could have a trifecta and bring the Midwestern reform efforts of Snyder and Walker to Colorado.
Isn't Democratic overreach basically the entire reason Democrats are hurting in CO right now? If they try to Walker-ize Colorado, you can probably expect them to be in deep trouble in 2016/2018.
If they try to enact fiscally conservative reforms, there may not be a backlash. If they go social conservative, which they likely will, there will be a backlash. Beauprez seems like a crazy. I really hope he doesn't win.
If anything, Hickenlooper is ahead. Even if Gardner wins, if Hick stays, probably the House does and the CO Dems will still be the most successful state party in a purple except for maybe a little better than Virginia's and perhaps the same as New Hampshire's.
In terms of what would happen if Beauprez wins, if he does things like cut the income tax, repeal the gun laws and make fracking easier and makes it easier to recreate on state lands, he probably gets praised as a moderate hero.
If he does stuff like try to force a repeal of the repeal of prohibition or lets there be drilling in popular hunting and camping areas or does to abortion/birth control what Hick did with guns, there could be trouble...especially if they are disciplined until 2016, the national party wins big then and decide on a right-wing push like in North Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio.
