11:09 p.m.:
At 10:45, Bill Ritter came on the big screen. A drum procession preceded Ritter, his children and his wife Jeanie taking the stage.
On stage, Barb O’Brien, his running mate, spoke.
“We have seen Bill Ritter for 18 months. He has passion for our state, and he is someone who can take us forward,” O’Brien said.
With loud applause, Ritter took the podium.
“The only way we know how to thank our voters is to govern well. We will govern a unified and united Colorado,” he said.
“This is not a race between the left and the right, but between the cynical and the hopeful. We will look for common ground and do what is right and responsible,” Ritter went on to say.
He then explained his idea of the Colorado promise. One part of the promise is to insure the uninsured, while another is for his generation to hand over a state that is better than how they found it.
The ceremony closed with a rejoicing Ritter family. The drum line concluded the triumphant ceremony and Johnny Cash played over the speakers.
-Gina Anderson and Cassie Hewlings, Campus Press Staff Writers
10:30 p.m.
Pat Waak is dancing the night away to “September,” by Earth, Wind and Fire.
-Diana Johnson, Campus Press Staff Writer
9:52 p.m.
After Diana DeGette announced that the Democrats won control of the House of Representatives, Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar took the stage. In his very passionate speech, he shared how Perlmutter is winning with 57 percent of the vote and Salazar’s brother, John Salazar, is ahead with 60 percent in Congressional District 3.
“America is starting a new time and a new direction. It’s about all of you in America and a new direction we are starting in Colorado tonight,” Salazar said.
In Pennsylvania, Bob Casey beat a prominent Republican for governor. In Rhode Island, the Democrats are also winning.
Salazar continued, “We expect to take control of the House and the Senate and general assembly of Colorado.”
The Hyatt is brimming with people and occasional screaming is not uncommon. Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville” blasts over the speakers, and screams explode as Paccione just pulled ahead of Musgrave with 45 percent of the vote.
-Gina Anderson, Campus Press Staff Writer
9:40 p.m.
Democratic congressional candidate Mark Udall is celebrating with Perlmutter at his headquarters.
Udall currently has 72 percent of the vote and Mancuso has 28 percent.
Bill Ritter has 55 percent and Beauprez has 42 percent, with 10 percent of precincts reporting.
-Cassie Hewlings, Campus Press Staff Writer
9:30 p.m.
The Hyatt is getting more crowded by the minute. The crowd is becoming more excited each time the two big screen TVs show results. As results flash, it begs the question, “where are you, Boulder?”
At this point, Amendment 44, which would legalize marijuana possession up to one ounce for persons over 21, has a 64 percent of voters voting no.
“I am not too upset it doesn’t look like it’s going to pass. But I did vote for it. I agree with the principle, but I am worried about the effects of making teen drug dealing more appealing,” partygoer Jamie Lauri said.
-Gina Anderson, Campus Press Staff Writer
9:20 p.m.
Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette said the Democrats would regain control of Congress – and they wouldn’t waste a moment passing legislation.
“They are hours away from making Nancy Pelosi the first woman speaker of the house,” DeGette told a crowd of Democrats in Denver.
She also promised that within the first 100 hours of a Democratic victory, legislation favoring stem-cell research would be passed.
“After tonight, Colorado will be a solidly blue state,” DeGette.
Ed Perlmutter is also expected to make his acceptance speech soon after the seventh congressional district race is likely called in his favor.
The seventh district has been one of the most heated races in the country, garnering national attention.
-Cassie Hewlings and Greg Schreier, Campus Press Staff Writers
8:50 p.m.
As initial reports of precint ballots began coming in, attendees at the Democratic party roared in approval.
With 5 percent of the precincts reporting, Bill Ritter is leading opponent Bob Beauprez 58 to 42 percent in the race for the governor’s post; Democratic secretary of state candidate Ken Gordon is trailing Republican Mike Coffman 53 to 47 percent; and for the seventh congressional district, Democrat Ed Perlmutter is leading Republican Rick O’Donnell 56 to 42 percent.
To control the Senate, the Democrats need only to take three seats, while to control the House, they must win 11 seats.
“Isn’t it nice to see the Democrats on track to take the House of Representatives?” said committee member Pat Waak.
Cassie Hewlings, Campus Press Staff Writer
8:30 p.m.
The Democrats are excited as the results roll in – but they’re prepared to wait after a Denver judge refused to extend voting hours earlier today.
“It is going to be a long evening,” said Democratic Chairwoman Pat Waak to a filled room at the Hyatt Hotel in Denver.
The guests applauded and showed much support as she mentioned that voters are still out.
The Democratic Party was hoping for an extended voting time earlier today because of technical difficulties in the electronic ballots earlier this morning in Denver.
Waak said that it is looking good for Colorado Democrats tonight as she concluded her speech.
“It is going to be one of the most exciting nights for Colorado and an exciting evening for Democrats,” Waak said.
Diana Johnson, Campus Press Staff Writer