September 12, 2008 07:49 PM UTC

Obama Fights For Western Slope Battleground

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• by: Colorado Pols

The Grand Junction Sentinel notes recent shifts that may bode well for Democrat Barack Obama in red rock country:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s decision to stop in Grand Junction and Pueblo might seem a bit odd, given that most of Colorado’s voters are on the Front Range. However, political observers said Thursday that Obama’s choice of venues makes perfect sense.

John Redifer, political science professor at Mesa State College, said the battle for Colorado this year hinges on independent voters. And, he said, there is no better place to connect with that bloc than Grand Junction and Pueblo.

“I think the choice of (Alaska Gov. Sarah) Palin for a vice president for (Republican John) McCain has really upped the ante for Obama in these western states,” Redifer said. “She has a lot of appeal with independents.”

During a July stop in Grand Junction, Congressman John Salazar, D-Colo., said for Obama to carry Colorado, he has to carry the 3rd Congressional District, which includes Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Eric Wortman, spokesman for Salazar, said the congressman is thrilled Obama plans to work on meeting the challenge of appealing to rural Coloradans.

“If you can win there, you will win the state,” Wortman said…

Even if he shows well in Mesa County and other Western Slope population centers without winning outright, he’ll help himself greatly towards carrying the state–and help down the ticket, too.