Hope ebbs and flows for the Democratic Party in El Paso County. This year, it’s at an all-time high.
“I’ve never felt or seen this type of energy before,” said Chauncey Johnson, a Congressional District 5 regional organizing director working at county party headquarters this week.
The tide raising all ships is Jessica Killin, whose campaign for Congressional District 5 against Republican incumbent Jeff Crank has brought heavy investment and national attention. It’s an intangible boost for the local party, which Johnson said remains more focused on turning out Democrats at the polls than persuading undecided voters.
It’s not just optimism for the Killin campaign infecting an office piled high with campaign signs. Party officials believe a few other campaigns are showing potential inroads. John Jarrell, who chairs the El Paso County Democratic Party, said he had high hopes for El Paso County Commission District 5, where a Democrat has not served in decades. Former Colorado Springs city councilwoman Yolanda Avila, a Democrat, is facing incumbent Republican Lauren Nelson.
“It’s been unbeatable for literally 50 years,” he said, referring to the political makeup of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners.
Jarrell was optimistic about the possibility of Steph Vigil regaining the House District 16 seat against Republican Jill Haffley. The party is also watching for Tony Exum’s bid to retain his Colorado Senate District 11 seat against Levon Stilson.
At the El Paso County Republican Party offices, Vice Chair Saundra Larsen said phones were ringing late into the evening with questions from voters. The local party is active this year, serving as a clearinghouse for candidates looking for help with door-knocking volunteers and sign drop-offs.
Despite earlier rifts, Larsen said all Republican candidates in the general election were receiving support from the local party this year. The primary was the time for a debate on preferences among party candidates, she said, not the general.
“From there, you’re voting the consequences,” she said.
The party is facing hiccups this year, including a “hijacked” Facebook page, in Larsen’s words. The party now directs voters to a revamped website with video spots featuring county party chair Kendrick Davis and local candidates. The party has sent out mass texts and is implementing a social media blitz in the last few days before the election.
Larsen said that the lead-up to the general election has seen a lull in the local interest of the Republican base.
“I think a lot of energy went out in the primary,” she said.
The party hopes to retain a position or make inroads in several elections. Larsen said the GOP is paying attention to Haffley’s attempt to retain House District 16 for the Republicans. Adriana Cuva’s House District 18 run against incumbent Amy Pascal is a focus, as is Laura Martin’s run against District 17 incumbent Democrat Regina English.
“We would like to flip that if possible,” Larsen said.
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