Two Dozen Legislators Leaving

There are no respites in politics, just new votes to win.

That is why, only days after the end of the 2008 legislative session, state lawmakers have begun turning their attention to the races this year that will help determine what the legislature looks like and can accomplish next year.

Democrats, who hold a 15-seat majority in the state House and a five-seat majority in the Senate, hope to build on that lead by switching more traditionally Republican districts.

"It will be another challenging year," said Sen. Brandon Shaffer, a Longmont Democrat. "It's never easy. Every year we've got to work hard to win seats, retain incumbent seats and look to pick up seats."

Republicans want to chip away at the majority's seats and have cautious hopes of picking up the three extra seats needed to flip control of the Senate back to their party. Republicans are much less likely to gain control of the House, though House Minority Leader Mike May, R-Parker, said he is playing to win.

"We're going to take back the House," he said with a light-hearted swagger. "That's my official response. . . . If you don't have a plan to get to the majority, then you should get out of the game."

The Denver Post