by OnSight | Mar 2017 | Elections, politics, Polling, Trends
A new statewide poll of 503 active voters shows a majority of Coloradans give high marks to their home state and its Democratic governor, and have strong reservations about President Donald Trump and many of the polices and issues put forward during his first 50 days in office.
View toplines
Keating Research is recognized by Democrats and Republicans alike as providing extremely accurate polling in Colorado.
The Keating/OnSight poll provides informative, accurate results using live-interviewer telephone (cell and landline) surveys and was Colorado’s most accurate in the 2016 Presidential election, predicting Hillary Clinton would win the state by 5 points in Colorado.
What follows are highlights are from the new Keating/OnSight Colorado statewide poll conducted March 8-13, 2017:
Voters are optimistic about the direction of state and Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper
By nearly 2-to-1, Colorado voters say the state is heading in the right direction (58% right direction – 32% wrong direction), which is certainly a reflection of their positive feelings toward Colorado’s second-term Governor, John Hickenlooper. By roughly the same margin, Colorado voters are favorable toward Hickenlooper (57% favorable – 33% unfavorable).
President Donald Trump is not well-liked
Donald Trump, who lost Colorado to Hillary Clinton (43% to 48%), remains unpopular in Colorado (43% favorable – 55% unfavorable), including 45% of respondents who hold a “very unfavorable” view toward him. Opinions of Trump are distorted by voters’ partisan lenses – Democrats strongly dislike Trump (12% favorable – 87% unfavorable) and Republicans very much like him (83% favorable – 16% unfavorable), while the key voting block of unaffiliated voters are hostile territory for Trump (32% favorable – 64% unfavorable).
Trump’s presidency has gotten off to a decidedly rocky start, as nearly 5-of-10 Colorado voters think he is doing a lousy job: grading his performance with an F (38%) or D (10%). A minority of respondents – 36% – give Trump an A (19%) or B (17%).
Honesty is a key characteristic for any politician, and a majority – 52% – of Colorado voters think President Trump is “dishonest and tells lies”, while a minority – 40% – think he is “honest and tells the truth.” Suburban voters show a decided lack of confidence in Trump – a majority (55%) of voters in the five suburban counties of Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson, Douglas and Broomfield say Trump is “dishonest and tells lies.”
Trump’s problems are dragging down Colorado Republican Sen. Cory Gardner
Currently, Colorado voters are divided on Sen. Cory Gardner (39% favorable – 38% unfavorable), compared to a more positive opinion of him before Trump was elected in July, 2016 (45% favorable – 28% unfavorable).
Colorado’s Democratic U.S. Senator Michael Bennet remains popular with 51% viewing him favorably compared to 29% unfavorable, which is the same as before Trump was elected in July, 2016 (51% favorable – 28% unfavorable).
Colorado voters disagree with what President Trump is saying about the media and President Obama
- A majority – 62% – of Colorado voters do not believe that President Obama had the wires tapped in Trump Tower, while 20% believe it.
- A majority – 57% – of Colorado voters disagree with President Trump’s statement that the news media is the enemy of the people, while 37% agree with it.
President Trump’s anti-immigrant positions are out of step with Colorado
- A majority – 60% -– of Colorado voters oppose President Trump’s plan to build a wall on the Mexican border to keep out illegal immigrants, while 35% support the idea. Trump’s wall is opposed by a majority of men (53% oppose) and women (67% oppose), younger age 18-49 (71% oppose) and older age 50+ (51% oppose), and white (59% oppose) and Hispanics (70% oppose).
- A majority — 53% – of Colorado voters oppose Trump’s travel ban that prevents citizens from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the United States, while 42% support Trump’s new travel ban. Trump’s travel ban is particularly disliked by millennial voters age 18-34 (76% oppose the travel ban), while those age 65+ are supportive (56% support).
Colorado voters aren’t convinced Trump’s campaign communicated with Russia to influence outcome of the election
- 37% of Colorado voters believe Donald Trump’s campaign was in communication with Russia in order to influence the Presidential election, while nearly half (47%) say they were not, and 16% are unsure.
Colorado voters don’t want to repeal Obamacare
When asked about the Obamacare replacement plan recently released by Republicans in Congress, by a 13-point margin Colorado voters prefer to keep Obamacare (54%) rather than repeal Obamacare (41%). Attitudes toward Obamacare closely mirror the Presidential election – Clinton voters prefer to keep Obamacare (91%) and Trump voters prefer to repeal Obamacare (84%).
Colorado Voters want to increase the share of energy that comes from clean, renewable sources
8-of-10 voters say they favor increasing the share of Colorado’s energy that comes from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar power in order to create jobs and economic opportunity in rural Colorado, while only 14% oppose it. Increasing clean, renewable energy is a pure non-partisan issue, favored overwhelmingly by Democrats (95% favor), Unaffiliated (84% favor) and by two-thirds of Republicans.
Keating Research is recognized by Democrats and Republicans alike as providing extremely accurate polling in Colorado.
This polling data is based on 503 live-interviewer telephone surveys conducted March 8-13, 2017 among “active” voters statewide in Colorado. For this sample of 503 interviews the worst case margin of error at the 95% level is plus or minus 4.4%. Respondents were chosen at random from a list of voters with phone numbers: 261 surveys (52%) were conducted on cell-phone and 242 surveys (48%) were conducted on a land line.
by OnSight | Mar 2017 | BIkes, Golden Giddyup
It’s just about time to register for the first second-ever Golden Giddyup, featuring closed trails with dreamy, clean runs. After you crush it in your own special way, kick back with a beer, whiskey and a hay bale at the best post-ride party around. Trails, riders and the community – all winners.
And now it’s time to do it again. The 2017 Golden Giddyup will be held on September 10th and registration for this fine event opens at High Noon on Wednesday, March 15th. Same awesome courses to choose from, same post-race party mayhem, and featuring the loving support of REI, Yeti Cycles and Laws Whiskey.
If you registered last year (or even if you didn’t), remember that the Golden Giddyup is under the umbrella of the Jeffco Outdoors Foundation, a 501(c)3, which means your entry fee is tax deductible. Yes, you heard that right: not only are you supporting the trails in Jefferson County and participating in an awesome race, but it’s going to take just a little bit of the sting out of tax-time, too.
by OnSight | Mar 2017 | BIkes, Press and Media, USA Pro Cycling, Velorama
The RiNo Art District will serve as the stage this August for “Velorama Colorado,” an entertainment experience that will be part bike race and celebration of bicycle culture, part music festival, part craft-goods marketplace, and entirely entertaining, RPM Events Group announced today.
Hall-of-famer Bill Walton at the Velorama Colorado announcement Wednesday March 1, 2017. (Evan Semón Photography)
“With Velorama Colorado, we are re-imagining bike racing as the centerpiece of a large-scale community event,” said David Koff, CEO of RPM Events Group. “By locating the festival in the RiNo Art District and adding the right musical acts, a massive marketplace, criterium racing, ranging from the serious to the whimsical to the charitable, and local food and drink, we will broaden the appeal of an already wildly popular sport.”From Aug. 11-13, Velorama Colorado will feature some of the world’s bests cyclists racing in the Denver stages of the Colorado Classic; national music acts including Wilco and Death Cab for Cutie; and hundreds of vendors in a festival marketplace that includes a Bike Expo and is anchored by Denver Flea and the independent craft makers of beer, cider and wine in the RiNo Art District.
The innovative blend of bicycling, music and all-things-Colorado immediately attracted the attention of basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Walton, an avid cyclist and music lover. “Denver and Colorado are innovators, whether it’s celebrating what makes this place special, launching a new technology or re-inventing a bike race. I expect nothing but the same from Velorama Colorado,” said Walton, who flew in for the announcement.
“Coloradans’ love of cycling is matched — and maybe even exceeded — by their passion for great food, beer and music,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “Velorama Colorado is the kind of creative approach that Colorado is known for in that it creates a winning combination of those passions that will benefit our state and communities for years to come.”
The Colorado Classic will be held Aug. 10-13, with starts and finishes in Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Denver. Sanctioned by Union Cycliste Internationale and USA Cycling, the Colorado Classic will feature the sport’s top squads.
Free live music and other festivities are planned for the exciting men’s and women’s start-and-finish areas in Colorado Springs and Breckenridge on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11, respectively.
The ticketed Velorama Colorado festival is planned around the race’s Denver start-and-finish area, and will be headquartered in the RiNo Art District:
- Friday night, Aug. 11: Women’s criterium; music headliner Wilco; and festival marketplace.
- Saturday, Aug.12: Stage 3 men’s race (RiNo start/finish and Peak to Peak Hwy out-and-back); music headliner Death Cab for Cutie; and festival marketplace.
- Sunday Aug. 13: Stage 4 of men’s race (RiNo criterium and city circuit) and closing ceremonies; Family Music and Fun Day; and festival marketplace.
The marketplace includes a Bike Expo of nearly 150 exhibitors, festival merchandise; food from local merchants; areas for beer, wine and cider provided by the independent craft producers located in RiNo; and an expanded version of the Denver Flea with nearly 200 craft vendors.
“Teaming up with Velorama Colorado is a special opportunity for Denver Flea. Our missions couldn’t be more aligned, as both of us are committed to enlivening places and building community while having fun doing it,” said Denver Flea’s Blake Adams. “I’m excited to combine a major bike race and amazing musicians with the region’s finest artisan and emerging brands.”
A limited number of early-bird daily Velorama Colorado tickets go on sale at www.VeloramaColorado.com for $25 each beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3. Once those tickets are gone, advanced daily tickets will be offered online for $35 each. Walk-up prices will be $45 per day. VIP packages are also available.
“Whether it’s a general admission ticket or a VIP experience, a day at Velorama will be a great experience at a great price,” said Koff. “For less than the price of a concert ticket, you get a full day of music, food, beer, crafts and bike-centric fun — plus great views of the Colorado Classic.”
Moreover, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to Bicycle Colorado, the RiNo Art District and other initiatives as part of RPM Event Group’s mission to invest back in the community.
Velorama Colorado is bringing a new financial approach to pro bike racing in the United States.
“One of the challenges has been creating a business plan that is profitable and sustainable over the long run,” said Koff. “By imagining an event that is more than a bike race and bringing a ‘gate’ to the sport, we are confident that we can build an annual event that is anchored in Colorado and gives back to the community in meaningful ways.”
That approach was highlighted by Lindsey Hendershot, with the RiNo Art District: “This is the first major event of this scale to be held in RiNo. We love the mission to reinvent bike racing by bringing in additional creative partners from the neighborhood and to give back to the community,” she said.
About RPM Events Group: The Colorado Classic and Velorama Colorado are being produced by RPM Events Group, which includes civic-minded investors with a vision of re-inventing cycling events that are sustainable and fun, while providing a long-term positive social and economic impact to citizens and communities.
by OnSight | Feb 2017 | BIkes, Golden Giddyup
The Golden Giddyup, a trail stewardship and mountain bike event held in Jefferson County, announced a major partnership with REI. The outdoor co-op and specialty retailer invested $30,000 in stewardship funding for Golden Giddyup projects in 2017. This partnership establishes the two-year old event as a significant community partner in the Golden area, with engagement of more than 200 volunteers donating more than 3,000 hours to maintenance and trail-building efforts in the Apex, Windy Saddle (chimney) and North Table Mountain parks.
“We’re excited to have earned the support of such a strong partner for the Giddyup Trails Team,” said Al Head, Director of Trail Stewardship for the Golden Giddyup organizing team. “This support ensures we’re able to put a shovel where our voice is, working through a great list of projects with the help of our friends at Jefferson County Open Space.”
REI is the official partner of the Giddyup Trails Team, the year-round trail stewardship program that was started in 2013 to address flood damage on the Apex, Chimney and North Table Mountain trails. Following three years, and more than 3,000 hours of community service on Golden-area trails, the first Golden Giddyup mountain bike event was held with the support of Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden. The event has a unique format of three timed climbs and three timed descents on iconic local trails, ensuring great local engagement and support from riders of all ages and skill levels.
“The Giddyup’s work proves the powerful impact that mountain bikers can have in their community,” added Jon Frankel, REI Colorado Outdoor Programs Market Manager. “For the past three years riders, volunteers and organizers have stayed focused on delivering long-term benefits for Golden-area trails, building strong partnerships with local land managers and businesses. Stewardship is a core value at REI and a value we celebrate through our partnerships.”
This year, the Golden Giddyup is engaging Brad Reeder, an expert trail-builder and local rider, to manage the Giddyup Trails Team efforts in all three parks. Brad’s work in 2016 led to the rehabilitation of the Chimney Gulch trail, increasing sustainability and smiles for trail users.
“This year we’re set to tackle some great projects with a focus on improving trail experiences for all users,” said Ben Davis, a Golden Giddyup organizer and local rider.
The Golden Giddyup is a collaborative effort between local trail riders and advocates, Al Head, Jen Barbour, Ben Davis and Mike Melanson. The event is scheduled to take place at Lions Park, in Golden, Colorado on Sunday September 10th, 2017. Registration opens at 6AM on March 15th. Discounted registration for 2016 trail volunteers is available. With more riders than space, supporters are encouraged to mark their calendars. The Golden Giddyup is a non-profit organization dedicated to trail stewardship activities in partnership with the great staffs at Jefferson County Open Space and the City of Golden.
by OnSight | Feb 2017 | Google
A talented student in Aurora, Colorado, could soon have her art on the Google homepage for hundreds of millions to see.
Google is announcing the 53 state and territory winners in its ninth annual Doodle 4 Google competition, a contest open to K-12 students across the United States to redesign the Google logo inspired by the theme “What I see for the future…”.
Madison J. Lee, a 4th grader from Black Forest Hills Elementary School in Aurora, is one of the 53 winners with her doodle, “What Awaits Us in the Future”, depicting a futuristic, alien-filled landscape. Her doodle was selected from thousands of entries received this year.
Secretary of State Wayne Williams was on-hand at Black Forest Hills Elementary School to help Lee celebrate during a surprise assembly.
“As someone who regularly uses Google and enjoys the ever-changing art, it is an honor to present this award,” said Secretary Williams.
To help their favorites succeed, everyone across the USA can vote for their favorite doodle from the 53 state winners. Voting will be open from February 23rd to March 6th on this site: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html, and the public vote will determine the five national finalists (one in each grade group).Voting ends at 5pm EST on Monday, March 6th. Google will announce these five national finalists and one of them as the national winner on March 31 — and the winner’s doodle will go live on Google.com that day.
The National Winner will take home a $30,000 college scholarship and his or her school will receive a $50,000 Google for Education grant towards the establishment and improvement of a computer lab or technology program.
To see a full list of state winners and to vote online, visit: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/vote.html
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a Google representative, please send an email to press@google.com.
