Top 15 House and Senate Races to Watch

Republican: Robert Schaffer (Former Representative)

Democrat: Mark Udall (Representative)

In 2004, both of these candidates failed in their quest for their party's senate nominations. Udall, who represents the Boulder area in the House, was seen as too liberal by state party leaders, while Schaffer, who represented eastern Colorado for three terms, was heavily outspent by brewing magnate Pete Coors. Now they will compete for retiring Senator Wayne Allard's seat. Democrats hope that Udall can win in this year's more favorable political climate, while Republicans think that his liberal voting record will end up backfiring in a state where registered Republicans still outnumber registered Democrats significantly. Udall leads early in fundraising and has once again pulled ahead in the polls (after falling into a tie earlier in the year).

2004 Presidential Vote: Bush 52%, Kerry 47%

-James Downie and Marti Covington/Washington