2004 United States Senate election in Colorado

none March 2026 September 2023 2004 United States Senate election in Colorado Colorado presidential no 1998 United States Senate election in Colorado 1998 2010 United States Senate election in Colorado 2010 November 2, 2004 File:Kensalazar.jpg 150x150px Ken Salazar Democratic Party (United States) 1,081,188 51.30% 3x4.svg Pete Coors Republican Party (United States) 980,668 46.53% 2004 United States Senate election in Colorado results map by county.svg 250px County resultsSalazar: #a5b0ff 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% Coors: #ffb2b2 40–50% #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell Republican Party (United States) Ken Salazar Democratic Party (United States) The 2004 United States Senate election in Colorado took place on November 2, 2004, alongside other elections to the United States Senate in other states as well as elections to the United States House of Representatives and various state and local elections. Incumbent Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (first elected in 1992 as a Democrat and re-elected in 1998 as a Republican, having switched parties in 1995) retired instead of seeking a third term. Democratic nominee Ken Salazar won the open seat, defeating Republican nominee Pete Coors despite Republican President George W. Bush carrying the state over John Kerry in the concurrent presidential race. Background On March 3, 2004, incumbent Republican Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell announced that he would not seek reelection due to health concerns, having recently been treated for prostate cancer and heartburn.https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/04/us/gop-senator-campbell-of-colorado-will-retire.html G.O.P. Senator Campbell of Colorado Will Retire The New York Times 4 March 2004 Janofsky Michael Before Campbell's retirement, no prominent Democrat had entered the race, with educator Mike Miles and businessman Rutt Bridges pursuing the Democratic nomination. After Campbell's retirement, many expected popular Republican Governor Bill Owens to enter the race,Analysis: Owens focus of Senate talk - UPI Archives https://www.upi.com/Archives/2004/03/04/Analysis-Owens-focus-of-Senate-talk/1961078376400/ 2024-06-01 UPI en however he declined to run. Campbell's retirement and Owens' decision not to run prompted a number of prominent Democrats to reexamine the race.Chris Cillizza 2004-03-03 Campbell Exit Sparks a Scramble https://rollcall.com/2004/03/03/campbell-exit-sparks-a-scramble/ 2024-06-01 Roll Call en-US Democratic primary Candidates Ken Salazar, Attorney General of Colorado Mike Miles, educator Campaign On March 10, the same day Owens announced he would not run, U.S. Congressman Mark Udall entered the race.Writer Steven K. Paulson/AP 2004-03-10 Rep. Udall announces his bid for senate https://www.vaildaily.com/news/rep-udall-announces-his-bid-for-senate/ 2024-06-01 www.vaildaily.com en-US The next day, state Attorney General Ken Salazar entered the race,Chris Cillizza 2004-03-10 Salazar Clears the Field https://rollcall.com/2004/03/10/salazar-clears-the-field/ 2024-06-01 Roll Call en-US leading Udall to immediately withdraw and endorse him; Udall held Colorado's other Senate seat from 2009 to 2015.Colorado - Election Results 2008 - The New York Times https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/elections/2008/results/states/colorado.html 2024-06-01 archive.nytimes.com Salazar lost to Mike Miles at the State nominating convention. In spite of this loss, the national Democratic Party backed Salazar with contributions from the DSCC and promotion of Salazar as the only primary candidate. Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Marginof error KenSalazar MikeMiles Other UndecidedMason-DixonDenverAugust 2004– (LV)–67%21%–12%Mason-DixonDenverJune 15–18, 2004300 (LV)± 6.0%61%15%–24% Results thumb|center|250px|Democratic primary results by county #7996e2 Salazar #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0d056c >90% #5bc75b Miles #5bc75b 50–60% #41b742 60–70% Democratic Primary resultshttp://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionArchives/2004/Abstract2003-2004.pdf Archived copy 2011-06-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20101231054253/http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionArchives/2004/Abstract2003-2004.pdf 2010-12-31 Ken Salazar Democratic Party (United States) 173,167 73.02% Mike Miles Democratic Party (United States) 63,973 26.98% 237,140 100.00% Republican primary Candidates Pete Coors, former CEO and chairman of Coors Brewing Company Bob Schaffer, U.S. Representative Declined Bob Beauprez, U.S. representative from CO 7Cillizza Chris Trouble Brewing In Colo.? https://rollcall.com/2004/04/07/trouble-brewing-in-colo/ Roll Call 17 June 2025 https://archive.today/20250617052701/https://rollcall.com/2004/04/07/trouble-brewing-in-colo/ 17 June 2025 7 April 2004 live Dave Liniger, real estate magnate Scott McInnis, U.S. representative from CO 3 Jim Nicholson, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Jane Norton, Lieutenant Governor of Colorado Endorsements Pete Coors Elected officials Ben Nighthorse Campbell, incumbent U.S. senatorCoors launches bid for U.S. Senate https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/13/senate.coors/ CNN 17 June 2025 https://archive.today/20250617051802/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/13/senate.coors/ 17 June 2025 14 April 2004 live Bill Owens, Governor of Colorado (previously endorsed Schaffer) Bob Schaffer Elected officials Bill Owens, Governor of Colorado (switched endorsement to Coors) Campaign The two candidates got into an ideological battle, as Schaffer attacked Coors because his company had provided benefits to the partners of its gay and lesbian employees, in addition to promoting its beer in gay bars. Coors defended himself by saying that he was opposed to same-sex marriage and supported a constitutional amendment to ban it, although he noted that he supported civil unions for gay couples. According to the Rocky Mountain News, Coors described his company's pro-LGBT practices as "good business, separate from politics."http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3034875,00.html Rocky Mountain News: Denver News, Business, Homes, Jobs, Cars, & Information 2006-01-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20040819022154/http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3034875,00.html 2004-08-19 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Marginof error PeteCoors BobSchaffer Other UndecidedMason-Dixonhttps://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2004/aug/9/20040809-121540-5525r/ Colorado hopefuls all tied up The Washington Times August 9, 2004 June 4, 2025DenverAugust 2004– (LV)–45%41%–14%Tarrance Group (R)https://rollcall.com/2004/07/19/new-527-targets-coors/ New 527 Targets Coors Chris Cillizza Roll Call July 19, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20211128154344/https://rollcall.com/2004/07/19/new-527-targets-coors/ November 28, 2021 liveCoors Poll sponsored by Coors' campaignJuly 14–15, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%53%34%–13%Mason-DixonDenverJune 15–18, 2004300 (LV)± 6.0%39%35%–26% Results thumb|center|250px|Republican primary results by county #e27f7f Coors #e27f7f 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #d72f30 70–80% #c21b18 80–90% #5bc75b Schaffer #5bc75b 50–60% #41b742 60–70% Coors defeated Schaffer with 61% of the vote in the primary, with many analysts citing his high name recognition in the state as a primary factor.The New York Times > Congressional Quarterly > Washington > Campaign 2004 > CQ Today: Republican Coors Gets Primary Win for Colorado Senate Seat https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/cq/2004/08/13/news-1293530.html 2024-06-01 archive.nytimes.comArchives L. A. Times 2004-08-11 Coors Among Winners in Primaries for U.S. Senate https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-aug-11-na-primaries11-story.html 2024-06-01 Los Angeles Times en-US Republican Primary resultshttp://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionArchives/2004/Abstract2003-2004.pdf Archived copy 2011-06-06 https://web.archive.org/web/20101231054253/http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ElectionArchives/2004/Abstract2003-2004.pdf 2010-12-31 Pete Coors Republican Party (United States) 203,157 60.57% Bob Schaffer Republican Party (United States) 132,274 39.43% 335,431 100.00% General election Candidates Major Pete Coors (R), former CEO and chairman of Coors Brewing Company Ken Salazar (D), State Attorney General Minor Douglas Campbell (C) Victor Good (Re) Finn Gotaas (I) John Harris (I) Richard Randall (L) Campaign Pete Coors, Chairman of Coors Brewing Company, ran as a moderate conservative. However, Salazar was also a moderate and a highly popular State Attorney General.http://dir.salon.com/story/opinion/conason/2004/10/22/coors/index.html The Coors campaign's deceptive advertising - Salon.com 2009-05-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20090210110435/http://dir.salon.com/story/opinion/conason/2004/10/22/coors/index.html 2009-02-10 Coors is also a great-grandson of Adolph Coors, founder of the brewing company. His father is Joseph Coors, president of the company and a founding member of The Heritage Foundation. Salazar narrowly won the open seat. It was one of only two Democratic pickups in the 2004 Senate elections (Illinois was the other). Debates Complete video of debate, October 29, 2004 Finances According to OpenSecrets, Coors gave his own campaign $1,213,657 and received individual donations of $60,550 from other Coors family membersFebruary 2010. A state record total of over $11 million was raised during the election.The Gazette October 16, 2004 http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-2762144.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121026101940/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-2762144.html October 26, 2012 U.S. Senate race rakes in record $11.1 million Candidates ready for tough campaigning in home stretch HighBeam Research subscription Colorado Springs, CO usurped Predictions Source Ranking As of Sabato's Crystal BallThe Final Predictions https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2004110101/ Sabato's Crystal Ball November 2004 May 2, 2021 Lean D Flip November 1, 2004 Polling Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Key:A – all adultsRV – registered votersLV – likely votersV – unclear Marginof error PeteCoors (R) KenSalazar (D) Other UndecidedReuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 29 – November 1, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%44%52%1%3%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041101pressen2q.pdf CO, at the Wire: Salazar Atop Coors; Bush Holds On, Barely SurveyUSA November 1, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108173634/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041101pressen2q.pdf November 8, 2004KUSA Poll conducted for KUSA-TVOctober 30–31, 2004701 (LV)± 3.8%47%51%–2%Reuters/Zogby Internationalhttp://www.zogby.com/state.html Election 2004 Zogby Battleground State Polls Zogby International November 2, 2004 May 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041106014403/http://www.zogby.com/state.html November 6, 2004October 28–31, 2004600 (LV)± 4.0%44%52%–4%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 27–30, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%46%49%1%4%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 26–29, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%45%50%2%3%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 25–28, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%43%52%1%4%Public Opinion Strategies (R)http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3289773,00.html Salazar pulls ahead of Coors as the finish line approaches Charlie Brennan Rocky Mountain News October 28, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041124093956/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3289773,00.html November 24, 2004Rocky Poll sponsored by Rocky Mountain News & KCNC-TVOctober 25–27, 2004500 (LV)± 4.3%42%48%–4%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E64%257E2499053,00.html Tight sprint to Senate – Rivals at 46% each in poll before final bids for votes Monte Whaley The Denver Post October 29, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050113100602/http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E64%257E2499053,00.html January 13, 2005Denver Poll sponsored by The Denver PostOctober 25–27, 2004625 (LV)± 4.8%46%46%1%"Someone else" with 1%7%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 24–27, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%42%53%1%4%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 23–26, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%43%53%–4%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 22–25, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%44%50%–6%Reuters/Zogby InternationalOctober 21–24, 2004600 (LV)± 4.1%42%51%–7%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041021pressen2q.pdf CO: Bush Stable, Would Get 9 ECV Today; Coors 4 Pts Atop Salazar SurveyUSA October 21, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174229/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041021pressen2q.pdf November 8, 2004SUSA Poll conducted for KUSA-TV & KOAA-TVOctober 18–20, 2004596 (LV)± 4.1% 50%46%3%1%Ciruli Associateshttp://www.chieftain.com/metro/1098462961/1 Bush lead shrinking in Colorado – Salazar ahead of Coors Peter Roper The Pueblo Chieftain October 22, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041029020616/http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1098462961/1 October 29, 2004Pueblo Poll sponsored by The Pueblo ChieftainOctober 15–19, 2004600 (RV)± 4.0%43% 47%–10%Rasmussen Reportshttps://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2004/colorado_senate_coors_49_salazar_48 Colorado Senate: Coors 49% Salazar 48% Rasmussen Reports October 21, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20220523144526/https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2004/colorado_senate_coors_49_salazar_48 May 23, 2022October 18, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5% 49%48%2%1%Gallup/CNN/USA Todayhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-10-18-colorado-poll.htm Bush gains edge in Colorado USA Today October 18, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050912132413/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-10-18-colorado-poll.htm September 12, 2005October 14–17, 2004666 (LV)± 4.0%48%49%–3%815 (RV)45%51%–4%Public Opinion Strategies (R)http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3264604,00.html Poll: Coors jumps ahead Lynn Bartel Rocky Mountain News October 19, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041022025029/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3264604,00.html October 22, 2004RockyOctober 13–15, 2004400 (V)± 4.9% 45%40%6%6%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041008pressen2qs.pdf Bush Up 8 in CO, but Would He Get 5 or 9 ECV? Coors, Salazar Tied SurveyUSA October 8, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174220/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO041008pressen2qs.pdf November 8, 2004SUSAOctober 5–7, 2004594 (LV)± 4.1%48%48%3%1%Mason-Dixonhttp://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E64%257E2456007,00.html 'Close race,' but Salazar has edge Mark P. Couch Karen E. Crummy The Denver Post October 9, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050113095531/http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E64%257E2456007,00.html January 13, 2005DenverOctober 4–6, 2004630 (RV)± 4.0%44% 46%1%9%Gallup/CNN/USA Todayhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-10-07-battleground-poll.htm Dead heat in Colorado; Bush lead slim in New Mexico, Wisconsin USA Today October 7, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20050912132350/http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/2004-10-07-battleground-poll.htm September 12, 2005October 3–6, 2004667 (LV)± 5.0%43% 54%–3%820 (RV)± 4.0%43% 53%–4%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO040924pressen.pdf Colorado: Bush Now 8 Points Ahead of Kerry, 39 Days to Go SurveyUSA September 24, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108174214/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO040924pressen.pdf November 8, 2004SUSASeptember 21–23, 2004625 (LV)± 4.0% 51%46%3%–Rasmussen Reportshttp://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado%20Senate%20September%2020.htm Colorado Senate: Coors 49% Salazar 48% Rasmussen Reports September 20, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20040922043634/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado%20Senate%20September%2020.htm September 22, 2004September 16, 2004500 (LV)± 4.3% 49%48%1%1%Ciruli Associateshttp://www.chieftain.com/metro/1095857101/5 Coors and Salazar locked in dead heat Peter Roper The Pueblo Chieftain November 1, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041010033341/http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1095857101/5 October 10, 2004PuebloSeptember 14–18, 2004600 (RV)± 4.0%45% 46%–9%Tarrance Group (R)http://www.realclearpolitics.com//Presidential_04/co_polls.html Colorado 2004 Polls RealClearPolitics June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041108185114/http://www.realclearpolitics.com//Presidential_04/co_polls.html November 8, 2004CoorsSeptember 14–16, 2004–± 4.5%44% 46%–10%Public Opinion Strategies (R)http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3191263,00.html Voters favor Salazar Lynn Bartels Rocky Mountain News September 18, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041010215852/http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/election/article/0,1299,DRMN_36_3191263,00.html October 10, 2004RockySeptember 12–13, 2004500 (LV)± 4.3%42% 53%1%4%Tarrance Group (R)CoorsAugust 24–26, 2004600 (LV)± 4.0%43% 47%–10%Rasmussen Reportshttp://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado%20Senate%20August%2020.htm Colorado Senate: Salazar 49% Coors 45% Rasmussen Reports August 20, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041011144640/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado%20Senate%20August%2020.htm October 11, 2004August 19, 2004500 (LV)± 4.5%45% 49%2%4%SurveyUSAhttp://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO040817pressen.pdf No Breathing Room in Colorado: President & U.S. Senate Races Tied SurveyUSA August 17, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20041013183736/http://www.surveyusa.com/2004_Elections/CO040817pressen.pdf October 13, 2004SUSAAugust 14–16, 2004618 (LV)± 4.0% 48%47%4%1%Harstad Strategic Research (D)https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2004/9/8/49497/- CO-Sen: Salazar takes the lead Markos Moulitsas Daily Kos September 8, 2004 June 4, 2025Salazar Poll sponsored by Salazar's campaignAugust 2004–± 3.5%42% 48%–10%Mason-Dixonhttps://www.9news.com/article/news/local/poll-salazar-leads-senate-candidates/73-344892570 Poll: Salazar leads Senate candidates KUSA-TV June 28, 2004 June 4, 2025DenverJune 15–18, 2004800 (RV)± 3.5%40%47%–13%Public Opinion Strategies (R)https://www.cbsnews.com/news/washington-wrap-28-04-2004/ Washington Wrap Joel Roberts CBS News April 28, 2004 June 4, 2025RockyApril 20–24, 2004600 (RV)–36%52%–12%Rasmussen Reportshttp://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado_Senate%20April.htm Colorado Senate: Salazar 47% Coors 41% Rasmussen Reports April 15, 2004 June 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20040921021543/http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Colorado_Senate%20April.htm September 21, 2004April 14, 2004500 (LV)± 4.3%41% 47%3%8% background:#cff Hypothetical polling border:solid 1px silver; padding:8px; background:var(--background-color-base); color:var(--color-base); Bob Schaffer vs. Ken Salazar Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Marginof error BobSchaffer (R) KenSalazar (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonDenverJune 15–18, 2004800 (RV)± 3.5%35%49%–16%Public Opinion Strategies (R)RockyApril 20–24, 2004600 (RV)–37%48%–15%Rasmussen ReportsApril 14, 2004500 (LV)± 4.3%37% 49%5%9% Pete Coors vs. Mike Miles Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Marginof error PeteCoors (R) MikeMiles (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonDenverJune 15–18, 2004800 (RV)± 3.5%45%30%–25% Bob Schaffer vs. Mike Miles Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize"Key" Marginof error BobSchaffer (R) MikeMiles (D) Other UndecidedMason-DixonDenverJune 15–18, 2004800 (RV)± 3.5%43%29%–28% Results General election resultshttp://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2004/2004Stat.htm#6 Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Party (United States) Ken Salazar 1,081,188 51.30% +16.29% Republican Party (United States) Pete Coors 980,668 46.53% -15.96% Constitution Party (United States) Douglas Campbell 18,783 0.89% +0.15% Libertarian Party (United States) Richard Randall 10,160 0.48% Independent John R. Harris 8,442 0.40% Reform Party (United States) Victor Good 6,481 0.31% Independent Finn Gotaas 1,750 0.08% 100,520 4.77% -22.70% 2,107,472 Democratic Party (United States) Republican Party (United States) Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic Pueblo (largest city: Pueblo) Larimer (largest city: Fort Collins) Routt (Largest city: Steamboat Springs) Garfield (largest municipality: Glenwood Springs) Eagle (largest municipality: Edwards) Summit (largest municipality: Breckenridge) Jefferson (largest city: Lakewood) Clear Creek (largest city: Idaho Springs) Gilpin (largest city: Central City) Adams (largest city: Thornton) Arapahoe (largest city: Aurora) Gunnison (Largest city: Gunnison) Lake (Largest city: Leadville) Pitkin (Largest city: Aspen) La Plata (largest municipality: Durango) San Juan (largest municipality: Silverton) Rio Grande (Largest city: Monte Vista) Archuleta (Largest city: Pagosa Springs) Mineral (Largest city: Creede) Conejos (largest municipality: Manassa) Huerfano (largest city: Walsenburg) Alamosa (largest municipality: Alamosa) Costilla (largest municipality: San Luis) Saguache (largest city: Center) Las Animas (largest city: Trinidad) Bent (Largest city: Las Animas) See also 2004 United States Senate elections Notes Partisan clients References Category:2004 Colorado elections Colorado 2004