When Governor Bill Ritter appointed Michael Bennett to the Senate, it sent tongues wagging across Denver.  How could Bennett, who had never run a race in his life, hold onto the seat if the environment soured for Democrats?

It looks like we're going to find out.  The environment has soured for Democrats, and its reflected in Bennett's poll numbers.  He trails former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton 45%-36% in the latest Rasmussen polling.  But even if state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff manages to oust Bennett in the Democratic primary, Norton still leads by a 42%-34% margin.

This race increasingly looks like it leans toward the Republicans, at least for now.

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