Not all politics is at the national level. Colorado Democrats figured that out this year and made a large impact in a “red state”. An impact that might be felt in future federal elections.

What did they do? In a year dominated by the presidential election they poured their money into state-level elections. As a result they took over the Colorado state house and state senate. This was done with financing of four liberal donors to the cause - Pat Stryker, Jared Polis, Tim Gill, and Rutt Bridges. Together they contributed to the bulk of a $2 million fund that outspent their Republican counterparts 3-to-1.

This money was enough to swing the Colorado House and Senate into Democratic control for the first time in decades. And this was done in a Red/Republican state.

Now the Republican governor, a possible presidential candidate in 2008, must deal for the first time with a hostile legislature. Depending on how he handles this change of events, this could hurt his chances of succeeding in the 2008 presidential race.

With their newfound power, there is the chance that the Democrats can establish a beach head that will allow them to control the gerrymander in Colorado, resulting from the 2010 census. While that may seem a long way out, the power of incumbency will ensure that this election will reverberate into future elections. Affecting both state and federal elections.

George Soros spent over $20 million this year trying to affect the presidential election this year. It didn’t work, Bush was still reelected. Now suppose Soros had spent this same money trying to affect politics at the state level instead of the national level. He might have been able to affect several state houses and, ultimately, a few governorships - the best launching pads for Presidents (Bush, Clinton, Reagan, Carter).

So, will the Democratic party notice what happened in Colorado and replicate it in other states? Will the Republican party notice and adjust their tactics accordingly? I suspect the Republican party, awash with its national success, will see the Colorado results as an anomoly. I believe the Democratic party, even in its current state of upheaval, will learn this new lesson (at least in some states). The effects will be seen in the 2006 and 2008 elections.

“So”, you say, it’s only local politics who cares? Realize this, a “Red State” now has two Democratic senators. Who do you think spent their money better this election season - George Soros or the four Colorado millionaires with much less money?