| − | Despite recent success for Democrats in [[Colorado]], incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] is expected to face a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees has earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings have fallen to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Announced Republican challengers include Scott McInnis, who represented western and southern Colorado in the U.S. House from 1993 through 2005, Colorado Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, and businessman Dan Maes. Public opinion polls show McInnis leading Ritter by 5-8 points <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_423.pdf</ref>, <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_820925.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/toplines/toplines_colorado_governor_s_race_september_9_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_governor_s_race</ref>, while Ritter and Penry are in a dead heat. | + | Despite recent success for Democrats in [[Colorado]], incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] is expected to face a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees has earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings have fallen to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Announced Republican challengers include Scott McInnis, who represented western and southern Colorado in the U.S. House from 1993 through 2005, Colorado Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, and businessman Dan Maes. Public opinion polls show McInnis leading Ritter by 5-8 points <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_423.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_820925.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/toplines/toplines_colorado_governor_s_race_september_9_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_governor_s_race</ref>, while Ritter and Penry are in a dead heat. |