After a long and sometimes bitter struggle, Obama has emerged the clear victor in his campaign against John McCain for president of the United States. For his supporters, over 70,000 of whom packed Chicago’s Grant Park to celebrate, it was an emotional and triumphant night that marked a clear end to the Bush years.
Obama won every battleground state – including Colorado – some of which had not voted for a Democrat candidate since the 1960s.
An immense voter turnout – election officials are predicting 90% for Colorado – was one factors that contributed to Obama gaining a margin wider than any other president in the last two decades.
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the pow
er of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” he said.
Despite the heady fervor of victory, Obama did warn that, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term.” But sticking to his message of optimism and change, he continued, “America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.”
Democrats win across Colorado:
US Senate: Mark Udall, with Bob Schaffer losing his home county Larimer by 9 percentage points.
First Congressional District: Incumbent Diana DeGette
Third Congressional District: John Salazar
Second Congressional District: Jared Polis, the first openly gay man to be elected to the US Congress.
Fourth Congressional District: Betsy Markey defeated incumbent Marilyn Musgrave.
Seventh Congressional District: Incumbent Ed Perlmutter
Only two Republicans win in Congressional races:
Sixth Congressional District: Secretary of State Mike Coffman
Fifth Congressional District: Incumbent Doug Lamborn
Both won with roughly 50 percent more votes than their rivals.
