John Hickenlooper, Joe Biden lead comfortably in latest KOM Colorado Poll™

John Hickenlooper, Joe Biden lead comfortably in latest KOM Colorado Poll™

DENVER — Less than three weeks out from the General Election, Democratic Senate nominee John Hickenlooper and presidential nominee Joe Biden maintain double-digit leads over their Republican counterparts among likely Colorado voters, according to the latest results from the Keating-OnSight-Melanson (KOM) Colorado Poll.™ 

The poll also shows 60% of Coloradans oppose efforts to rush a Supreme Court nominee through confirmation this year and strong opposition to overturning benchmark rulings on same-sex marriage, Roe v. Wade, and the Affordable Care Act.

  • Biden leads Donald Trump by 15 points (54% – 39%, with 4% undecided). And in the critical suburban counties where Colorado elections are won and lost, Biden leads Trump by 23 points (58% – 35%, with 5% undecided).

  • In the U.S. Senate matchup between incumbent Republican Cory Gardner and former Gov. John Hickenlooper, the Democrat has a 10-point lead (51% – 41%, with 7% undecided).

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“Trump’s path to defeat is a sight to behold,” said pollster Chris Keating, of Keating Research. “He’s overwhelmingly disliked by Hispanic and younger voters — and he’s doing worse with voters over age 50 than he did four years ago. He’s not popular with women overall, suburban women in particular, or suburban voters in general. Add all that up, and Trump is headed for a classic yard-sale on election day.”

President Trump’s scare tactics have failed miserably in Colorado, as he trails Biden by 45 points (70% – 25%) among Hispanic voters and white voters support Biden by double digits (52% – 41%). Trump is also failing with women — trailing Biden by 23 points (58% – 35%); trailing Biden by 34 points (60% – 26%) among unaffiliated women; and trailing Biden by 36 points, (65% – 29%) among suburban women.

COVID-19/SUPREME COURT

Trump’s poor standing among Colorado voters is owed somewhat to views that he “acted irresponsibly in his handling of the risk of infecting the people around him with the coronavirus” (62% agree vs. 31% disagree) and in his overall handling of the pandemic (61% disapproval vs. 35% approval). His regular departures from the truth also play a factor, as 61% of voters say the President is “dishonest and tells lies.”

His handling of the pandemic is a direct contrast to that of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, whose pandemic response found approval from 62% of voters.

“Unsuccessfully wishing a pandemic away, stifling scientists and willfully ignoring the recommendations of public health experts is, not surprisingly, an unpopular stance for the President of the United States,” said Mike Melanson. “Conversely, we continue to see strong voter support for Gov. Polis’ honest, data- and best-practices driven response.”

Asked for their views on filling the vacancy created following the recent death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 60% of likely voters said the next justice  should be nominated by the winner of the presidential election and voted on by the U.S. Senate next year.

The poll found overwhelming support for

  • keeping same-sex marriage legal (75% – 25%);

  • upholding the precedent set in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion (70% – 30%);

  • and upholding the Affordable Care Act (58% – 42%).

“Trump’s coronavirus-catastrophe, coupled with Republicans’ ongoing court-jacking exercise, put the party at odds with the vast majority of Colorado voters,” said Curtis Hubbard of OnSight Public Affairs. “Given the Blue Wave of 2018 and the Blue Tsunami that’s on the horizon, it’s hard to see when the GOP might once again find favor with a Colorado electorate that is increasingly made up of young, diverse and well-educated voters.”

For complete poll results, please see the topline results and crosstabs.

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“Trump’s path to defeat is a sight to behold,” said pollster Chris Keating, of Keating Research. “He’s overwhelmingly disliked by Hispanic and younger voters — and he’s doing worse with voters over age 50 than he did four years ago. He’s not popular with women overall, suburban women in particular, or suburban voters in general. Add all that up, and Trump is headed for a classic yard-sale on election day.”

President Trump’s scare tactics have failed miserably in Colorado, as he trails Biden by 45 points (70% – 25%) among Hispanic voters and white voters support Biden by double digits (52% – 41%). Trump is also failing with women — trailing Biden by 23 points (58% – 35%); trailing Biden by 34 points (60% – 26%) among unaffiliated women; and trailing Biden by 36 points, (65% – 29%) among suburban women.

COVID-19/SUPREME COURT

Trump’s poor standing among Colorado voters is owed somewhat to views that he “acted irresponsibly in his handling of the risk of infecting the people around him with the coronavirus” (62% agree vs. 31% disagree) and in his overall handling of the pandemic (61% disapproval vs. 35% approval). His regular departures from the truth also play a factor, as 61% of voters say the President is “dishonest and tells lies.”

His handling of the pandemic is a direct contrast to that of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, whose pandemic response found approval from 62% of voters.

“Unsuccessfully wishing a pandemic away, stifling scientists and willfully ignoring the recommendations of public health experts is, not surprisingly, an unpopular stance for the President of the United States,” said Mike Melanson. “Conversely, we continue to see strong voter support for Gov. Polis’ honest, data- and best-practices driven response.”

Asked for their views on filling the vacancy created following the recent death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 60% of likely voters said the next justice  should be nominated by the winner of the presidential election and voted on by the U.S. Senate next year.

The poll found overwhelming support for

  • keeping same-sex marriage legal (75% – 25%);

  • upholding the precedent set in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion (70% – 30%);

  • and upholding the Affordable Care Act (58% – 42%).

“Trump’s coronavirus-catastrophe, coupled with Republicans’ ongoing court-jacking exercise, put the party at odds with the vast majority of Colorado voters,” said Curtis Hubbard of OnSight Public Affairs. “Given the Blue Wave of 2018 and the Blue Tsunami that’s on the horizon, it’s hard to see when the GOP might once again find favor with a Colorado electorate that is increasingly made up of young, diverse and well-educated voters.”

For complete poll results, please see the topline results and crosstabs.

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ABOUT THIS POLL: Keating Research, OnSight Public Affairs and Mike Melanson jointly release the KOM Colorado Poll™ several times each year. The KOM Colorado Poll™ was Colorado’s most accurate in the 2012 and 2016 Presidential elections, correctly predicting that Clinton would win Colorado by 5 points in 2016 and that Barack Obama would win Colorado by 4 points in 2012.

The latest KOM Colorado Poll™ was based on interviews with 519 likely Colorado voters, Oct. 8-13, 2020, and has a MOE of plus or minus 4.3%.

Hickenlooper, Biden post double-digit leads in May KOM Colorado Poll™

Hickenlooper, Biden post double-digit leads in May KOM Colorado Poll™

DENVER — Less than six months out from the General Election, Democratic front-runners in the top-of-the ticket races have moved out to commanding leads against their Republican counterparts among likely Colorado voters, according to the latest results from the Keating–OnSight–Melanson (KOM) Colorado Poll™ released Wednesday.

  • In a matchup against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, Donald Trump trails by 19 points (55% Biden to 36% Trump, with 6% undecided). In the critical 5 suburban counties where Colorado elections are won and lost, Biden leads Trump by 20 points (56% Biden to 36% Trump, with 5% undecided).
  • In a U.S. Senate match-up between Republican Cory Gardner and the Democratic front-runner, former Governor John Hickenlooper has an 18-point lead (54% Hickenlooper to 36% Gardner, with 9% undecided).

“Coloradans value steady leadership and are turning their backs on Donald Trump’s circus act and those — like Senator Gardner — who they view as enabling it,” said pollster Chris Keating, of Keating Research.

Among other key findings:

  • Donald Trump’s standing among likely November 2020 voters in Colorado is at its lowest level in 3 years, with 62% holding an unfavorable view and just 37% favorable.
  • Just 34% of respondents approve of the job Trump is doing on the coronavirus outbreak, compared to 59% who disapprove.
  • Governor Jared Polis receives high marks for his handling of the coronavirus (71% approve to 19% disapprove) and has also seen a significant increase in his favorability with voters — up from 50% last summer to 66% favorable in this survey.

The latest Keating–OnSight–Melanson (KOM) Colorado Poll™ conducted May 1-3, 2020, is the most recent installment in our effort to track voter opinions on the top political and public-policy issues of the day. The KOM Colorado Poll™ provides informative, accurate results using online surveys and was Colorado’s most accurate in the 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race and in the 2016 Colorado Presidential election.

For complete results, please see the attached memo, toplines and crosstabs:

KOM Colorado Poll May 2020 – XTABS
KOM Colorado Poll May 2020 – Topline Results
KOM Colorado Poll May 2020 – MEMO

Majority of Colo. voters support impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump in new KOM™ poll

Majority of Colo. voters support impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump in new KOM™ poll

Trump, Gardner face sizeable favorability gaps one year out from election.

Hickenlooper holds 11-point lead in matchup of 2020 frontrunners.DENVER — A majority of Colorado voters support the Congressional impeachment inquiry into President Trump, and a plurality support impeaching the president and removing him from office, according to results from the latest Keating–OnSight–Martin (KOM) Colorado Poll™ released today.

A majority  (54%) of Colorado voters said they support the impeachment inquiry that Congress initiated in late September, while 43% said they are opposed.

A plurality (48%) of respondents said Trump should be impeached and removed from office – with 44% saying he should not.A majority (54%) of Colorado voters said they support the impeachment inquiry that Congress initiated in late September, while 43% said they are opposed.
“The impeachment inquiry is supported by strong majorities of Democrats and unaffiliated voters across Colorado. And support for impeaching and removing Trump from office is particularly strong in suburban swing counties near Denver,” said Curtis Hubbard, of OnSight Public Affairs. “Taken together, that is a horrible combination for Republicans as the 2020 elections draw near.”

The poll found Trump with a 22-point favorability gap (38% favorable to 60% unfavorable) which is his worst standing among Colorado voters since being sworn in.
The poll found Trump with a 22-point favorability gap (38% favorable to 60% unfavorable) which is his worst standing among Colorado voters since being sworn in.
Colorado U.S. Senator Cory Gardner’s favorability is also at an all-time low for the KOM Colorado Poll. In the most recent survey, Gardner has an 11-point favorability gap, as 34% Colorado voters hold a favorable view of him compared to 45% who hold an unfavorable view.

 Gardner has an 11-point favorability gap, as 34% Colorado voters hold a favorable view of him compared to 45% who hold an unfavorable view.
“It’s no wonder Gardner is routinely called the most vulnerable incumbent Senator in the country. He’s barely above water with members of his own party, and the Trump anchor is pulling him beneath the surface with unaffiliated voters, whose support is a necessary ingredient for success in Colorado,” said pollster Chris Keating, of Keating Research.In a head-to-head matchup with Democratic frontrunner John Hickenlooper, Gardner trails by 11 points, with just 42% support compared to 53% for the former Governor.
In a head-to-head matchup with Democratic frontrunner John Hickenlooper, Gardner trails by 11 points, with just 42% support compared to 53% for the former Governor.
Hickenlooper, who entered the race two months ago, is viewed favorably by 51% of respondents, compared to 35% who hold and unfavorable view.
Hickenlooper, who entered the race two months ago, is viewed favorably by 51% of respondents, compared to 35% who hold and unfavorable view.
“Hickenlooper is dominating Gardner among all of the key groups and areas needed to win statewide races in Colorado – women, unaffiliated voters, Latinos, suburban swing counties near Denver, and college-educated voters,” said Jake Martin of Martin Campaigns. “There’s still 12 months until Election Day, but the headwinds facing Republicans are fierce.”

The KOM Colorado poll of 500 likely November 2020 voters was conducted October 10-14, 2019, and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4%. This is the firms’ third poll of 2019. The KOM Poll was Colorado’s most accurate in the 2018 Colorado gubernatorial and the 2016 presidential races.

Colorado Lt. Governor and Chief Operating Officer Donna Lynne formally announces bid for Governor

Colorado Lt. Governor and Chief Operating Officer Donna Lynne formally announces bid for Governor

DENVER – With a promise to “Keep Colorado Climbing,” Donna Lynne formally announced today she is entering the Democratic gubernatorial field.

Donna Lynne for Colorado logo

Check out Donna’s web site for more information. LynneForColorado.com

“As the State’s Lieutenant Governor and Chief Operating Officer I work every day on behalf of all Coloradans, making sure we are delivering on our promises and overseeing the day to day operations of State government. I believe working to make government more accountable and transparent, especially in today’s supercharged political environment, is essential. In traveling to all 64 counties, I have heard first hand what Coloradans want from their elected officials, and understand what the state needs in our next governor,” said Lynne, who has served in her current position since May of 2016. “These experiences, as well as a life long commitment to service, have strongly influenced my decision to run.”

“Colorado has made a lot of progress under Governor John Hickenlooper, but there’s more to be done. Many of the challenges we face are tough and complicated. But, that doesn’t scare me, because I’ve been doing tough and complicated my whole life.”

With her husband, Jim Brown, supporters, and friends by her side, Lynne pointed out that her family motto has always been, “You can, and you will.”

The mantra served as inspiration when she worked as a waitress to put herself through college in three and a half years; as a single, divorced mother of three children who obtained two advanced degrees while working full time; and as an avid explorer of Colorado’s highest peaks.

Lynne, 63, has spent more than half of her career in the public sector. In the private sector, she worked as an executive providing affordable health care to millions of Americans. That background — as the candidate who has managed large budgets and tens of thousands of employees — is a differentiator.

She pointed out that under Gov. Hickenlooper, Colorado has the country’s top-ranked economy, but more must be done to increase wages and bring health care costs under control.

“Infrastructure is the key to keeping the economy growing, too,” Lynne said.” Our roads, our water, and broadband access must be improved.”

“Together, Governor Hickenlooper and I have fought to save the Affordable Care Act,” she said. “It’s not perfect, but we shouldn’t ignore its successes: especially in Colorado. The ACA has allowed the number of uninsured Coloradans to be cut in half and more than half a million Coloradans received coverage through the Affordable Care Act.”

Lynne made her announcement at Denver’s Spring Cafe, which employs refugees and provides training programs to prepare them for customer-service jobs. That backdrop served as a counter to what’s coming out of the Trump administration.

“What we are seeing today is absolutely reminiscent of what we saw back in the 1960’s: racism, sexism, disregard for the environment, and disregard for women’s rights,” she said. “Just look at the President’s cruel action to repeal DACA. We are here in a small business that understands the value that immigrants have in this country. We have to stand together for the values we share, and refuse to lose the progress we’ve made together.”

As the state’s Lt. Governor and Chief Operating Officer, Lynne has launched key initiatives to increase accountability and transparency in government and to make government services more efficient and effective. And she brought renewed attention to education for all Coloradans.

“The state needs a leader with the vision, the experience, and the tenacity to keep Colorado strong for years to come. A state where every Coloradan has a good job, where they can get the health care they need, and where our environment and great outdoors are protected for all,” she said. “We can achieve this vision if we face up to the tough and complicated challenges we have in front of us. We must Keep Colorado Climbing.”

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Lynne has climbed all of Colorado’s 14ers, has skied at 29 of Colorado’s 30 ski areas, and has participated in various bike rides throughout the state including Ride The Rockies and Pedal The Plains. The mother of three adult children, she lives in Denver with her husband Jim Brown, who has two adult children.

Lynne said she will make bringing all areas of Colorado together one of the focal points of her campaign.

“There’s a clear divide in this state between growing metropolitan areas and rural areas. That affects us all. We’re better than that, wherever we live. And for those of us living in urban Colorado, let’s not forget where our food comes from, the source of our water, and the economic power of Colorado as an outdoor destination.”

Following today’s announcement, Lynne will hit the campaign trail with stops in eight communities across Colorado:

Thursday, September 7
10:30 a.m. — Café Vino: 1200 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Friday, September 8
10 a.m. — Poor Richards: 320 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
1 p.m. — The Gold Dust Saloon: 217 S Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003
3:30 p.m. — Soulcraft Brewing: 248 W. Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201

Saturday, September 9
9 a.m. — The Bookworm of Edwards: 295 Main Street, Edwards, CO 81632
1:30 p.m. —Kiln Coffee Bar: 326 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
6 p.m. La Plata County Democrat Office: 1911 Main Ave, Space 1, Durango, CO 81301

Sunday, September 10
11a.m. Milagros Coffee House: 529 Main St, Alamosa, CO 81101

Colorado UP!

Some governors have a black-tie gala with foie gras and filet mignon, where attendees wear tuxes and ball gowns, but not John Hickenlooper. For his second inaugural celebration, Governor John Hickenlooper did things a little different. Following a jam-packed day including the swearing-in ceremony, a breakfast with young scholars, and more, Hickenlooper combined his love of music, craft beer, and a good party for the final event of the night. He brought in and played with some of Colorado’s best musical acts for an inaugural concert at the Ogden Theater.

Before breaking out his banjo skills with The String Cheese Incident, Gov. Hickenlooper commented on the brewing-themed Western snap-button shirt he had picked out for the occasion, saying “I hope people can see the hops.”

Photos by OnSight staff.