September 20, 2009 12:08 AM UTC

Romanoff vs. Bennet: Who Do You Like?

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• by: harrydoby

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

The collective wisdom on this blog all agree:  there is little ideological difference between former Speaker Romanoff and Senator Bennet.  And as has been endlessly discussed here, why then would a thinking person vote for a challenger who, in all expectations, would have virtually the same voting record as the incumbent?

Let me pose another question to our Polsters:  When was the last time you voted for someone you didn’t like?

The similarities between the two are striking:  both are virtually the same age (43 and 44, respectively), graduated from Ivy League schools (including Yale), are extremely bright and ambitious, and really want to be Senator.

While the typical risks of scandal, fundraising problems, lack of organizational skills, incompetent staff, etc. often determine the fortunes of most campaigns, I believe the one overriding difference between the two that will play an important role in deciding the winner is their difference in personal style.

Bennet has political smarts of the type gained in executive boardrooms, where one-on-one closed door agreements and small group, high-powered discussions and unpublicized rivalries dominate.  

He has the patrician air befitting his upbringing and earned position in life, but which also makes him seem older than his actual age (not a criticism, just an observation).  He is a truly engaging and charming man in small settings.  My impression is that he has strong opinions, but doesn’t feel the need to share them just for the sake of taking a position.  He either learned, or by instinct, keeps his cards held closely to his chest.  If a question is unlikely to be posed, then he is loathe to volunteer an answer as it could limit his options later.

Romanoff has political smarts of the more traditional politician — broad contacts and personal relationships gained over many years of campaigning for various issues that he or his allies passionately believe in.  He is comfortable in large groups, speaking passionately in both large and small forums.  In one-on-one discussions, his easy smile, wit and personal charm quickly win him friends.  He seems younger than his actual age (not a criticism, just an observation).

He is quick to tell you what he believes in, and will listen to opposing opinions and try to find common ground.  

I believe the race will turn on who burns the most shoe leather and presses the most flesh (or as MAH does, knock on the most doors).   Save the TV ads for the general election.  It will be who has the most troops on the ground and can energize the voters to get to the polls.  That takes patience, determination and most of all force of personality.

This is a long primary campaign.  Who will lose their cool, their sense of humor or charm first?

Would you vote for them in the primary anyway?

Poll added (but probably not the question you were asking for — that poll will be taken next year)

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