RepHolbert, thanks for your response. Insightful stuff.

Please relay my gratitude to Mr. Washington if you get the chance.

I appreciate the info that candidates aren't picked by the party, but rather volunteer. That seems like a decent way to do it, even if it goes mean getting stuck with the occasional lunatic like Klingenschmitt.

How does that compare to how the CO Dems pick candidates?

Also, in your estimation, do you think that it might be a good idea for republicans to run in these districts as a sort of loss-leader?

Sure, a republican isn't going to win in boulder, but if one runs, is it likely to motivate voters to the polls who otherwise wouldn't go, but whose votes for other candidates like Governor might make a difference?

Thanks again for you post. My apologies for spelling/grammar issues as I'm posting from my phone.