Colorado VP Rankings

Colorado Democrats
Bill Ritter: Gov, Ranking: 5, Ritter has solid Democratic credentials and would likely flip Colorado to the Democrats if put on the ticket. Ritter's main weakness is that he has served even less time than Obama in a major office.
Ken Salazar: Sen, Ranking: 5, Like Ritter Salazar is very popular in Colorado, but Salazar was first elected in the same year as Obama.
Patricia Schroeder: Former Rep, Ranking: 6, Although Schroder has been out of Congress for 12 years, she is still a viable choice. She had been a Congress woman for over twenty years and is popular in some feminist circles, and she still has some name rec. in Colorado.
Mark Udall: Rep Co-2, Ranking: 3, Would be credible, but is running for Senate instead.
John Salazar: Rep CO-3, Ranking: 4, Why take John if you can have Ken?
Ed Perlmutter: Rep CO-7, Ranking: 4, If Obama wants a Coloradoan he has many better options.


Colorado Republicans
Bob Beauprez: Former Rep, Ranking: 4, The former congressman may be able to help McCain a little in what could end up as a very important state, but other than that Beauprez is a fairly weak vp candidate. He only served two terms in office and was recently creamed in an open Governor's race.
Wayne Allard: Sen, Ranking:6, Allard has served in the Congress since 1997 and before that was in Congress since 1991. Allard would give McCain a huge boost in Colorado and would help with McCain's independent image due to Allard's strong environmental record.
Hank Brown: Former Sen, Ranking: 4, Brown has been out of the political picture for over a decade now, but may help McCain in Colorado.
Gale Norton: Former Secretary of the Interior, Ranking 3, Norton served in the Bush cabinet for five years, which could help McCain with executive experience, but also tie him closer to the unpopular Bush Presidency.
Bill Owens: Former Gov, Ranking: 7, Owens would secure Colorado for McCain and he would be a solid all around candidate. Owens does have a few problems with the base on taxes however.
Marilyn Musgrave: Rep CO-4, Ranking: 4, Musgrove may be from a swing state, but is not widely popular so she may not be able to win the seat for McCain.
Bob Schaffer: Former Rep, Ranking: 3, Running for Senate
Doug Lamborn: Rep CO-5, Ranking: 4, May help some in Colorado, but there are better options.
Tom Tancredo: Rep CO-6, Ranking: 2, With Tancredo on the ticket McCain can kiss the Hispanic vote goodbye.