Candidates Swarm The West, Kind Of

By Greg Lemon, 1-31-08

Super Tuesday is only days away and the candidates seem to sense that this time around the Rocky Mountain West is going to play big in how each primary race shakes out.

Both Republicans and Democrats have primaries or caucuses events on Feb. 5 in Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Throw into the mix the Montana’s Republican winner-take-all caucus, New Mexico’s Democratic primary and Idaho’s Democratic caucus. All told, these states have 228 Democratic delegates and 160 Republican delegates up for grabs. This, coupled with the closeness of both races, means the region could actually have a big influence in who gets the nomination in both parties.

And the candidates, at least the Democrats, seem to be paying attention.

Since the 2004 presidential election, much has been made of the Rocky Mountain West and its potential to be a battleground between the Republicans and Democrats in 2008. An article in today’s Christian Science Monitor discusses the shift in the region from Republic dominance, to an area with key states up for grabs.

Though the article relies somewhat on tired stereotypes – “They tend to ham it up: bolo ties and cowboy boots, a gun and a fishing poll never far from hand.” – it highlights some of the issues forcing the political change. The region is experiencing urban growth, an significant increase in Latino populations and a relatively new focus on environmental stewardship, according to the article. These changes have allowed moderate Democrats, like Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, to make inroads with voters.

In the big rush toward Feb. 5, Democratic presidential candidates are courting voters in a big way. Both Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were stumping in Denver yesterday.

Obama spoke about bringing change and hope to Washington at an overflowing University of Denver arena, reports the Denver Post. Obama also ramped up his criticism of Hillary Clinton.

Bill Clinton also spoke to Denver crowds about his wife’s ability to lead.

“It’s not experience versus change. It’s who has a better track record of making change for people, and she’s the best change-maker I’ve ever known,” Clinton said.

Obama is also planning to be in Boise Saturday to speak with voters and, unlike Hillary Clinton, is focused on rallying support in Idaho, reports NewWest.Net’s Jill Kuraitis.

Bill Clinton is speaking in Arizona and New Mexico today.

On Friday, Ann Romney is visiting Missoula to stump for her husband, while Ron Paul is campaigning in Denver. And, while there has been chatter about John McCain sweeping in for a quick visit to Montana, his campaign says there’s nothing on the schedule. Other than that, Republicans are focusing their efforts on other Super Tuesday states.