Democrats acknowledge the importance of Colorado

Next week will be a stellar one in Denver’s history — perhaps the most important week in the history of the city. For a national party to holds its presidential convention in Colorado is due to far more than civic boosterism. Nor is the effect on Colorado strictly partisan. Democrats would not be coming here if they did not believe that Colorado holds a key to the West, and to the next election.

Whether Democrat or Republican, one cannot but be impressed by the media attention and the money showered on Denver. What’s happened so far will pale by next week. Colorado’s political and civic leadership deserve gratitude from all Coloradans. Our leadership worked up the courage to put forth Denver’s name, then stuck with the vision through thick and thin.

This country is no longer a two-coast nation politically. People are fleeing huge urban areas and seeking the solitude and the beauty of the West. Politicians are taking note.

Colorado could determine the next election. Colorado is neither blue nor red. Colorado is not predictable. Item: Colorado recently went through two terms of a Republican governor, preceded by three terms of a Democratic governor. Item: Denver’s congressional seat has been Democratic for almost 50 years; but other congressional districts in Colorado are rock-rib Republican. Item: Colorado has gone Republican in almost all recent presidential elections, but the Republicans are losing registered voters.  Item: One Colorado senator is a Democrat; the other, a Republican

Translation: Colorado is a swing state. The frequency of both McCain’s and Obama’s recent visits here testifies mightily to that.

The Democrats in town next week will be impressed by more than the mountains. They’ll be impressed by the friendliness, the cleanliness and, we hope, the voice and dignity afforded to protesters (who, we also hope, will return the favor). They’ll be impressed by the convention facilities and, we hope, smooth traffic.

Meanwhile, Denver Jewish Democrats have scheduled a number of events, from the serious to the light. Denver Jewish Republicans will surely feel left out of the partisan cheering, but for Republicans no less than for Democrats, the larger message of the importance of Denver, of Colorado and of the West will likely outlast all else that takes place here next week.