Colorado Election Gaining International Attention
DENVER (CBS4)- As the final countdown to Election Day grows closer, there is a lot of attention focused on Colorado, not just nationwide but worldwide.
The Republican Party of Colorado said many international media outlets are sending reporters to the state to cover election night, specifically the Senate race between Democrat incumbent Mark Udall and Republican challenger Cory Gardner.
"Originally had all the risers right here and press right by them, print press," said Colorado Republican Party Communications Director Owen Loftus. "You want the cameras to have a full shot."
Loftus is figuring out how to accomodate nearly 100 media personnel from all over the world at the Denver Tech Hyatt Regency on election night, which is Tuesday. The Republicans are holding their watch party at the hotel.
"We haven't seen interest like this in Colorado for any election I can remember. We're hearing from Germans, three German news agencies have said they will come, Japanese, Korean press coming, French press," said Loftus.
Kia Lance and Kenji Kato are with Japan's largest newspaper, The Yomiuri Shimbun. Like many international media they're in Colorado to cover the state's U.S. Senate race, between Democrat incumbent Mark Udall and Republican challenger Cory Gardner.
The outcome could flip the balance of power in the Senate and put Republicans in control of both chambers.
"It's impact on 2016 and the results of the Senate race in Colorado could be decisive, which party is in control, so it's a very important state, I believe," said Kato.
Many of the international media see the election as a sign of political unrest in Colorado.
When asked how much interest there is in the Obama factor, Loftus replied, "There's a lot of interest. When he was running for President the first time he went on a world tour and a lot of these people I'm sure, covered Obama, and now they're seeing that his image and reputation is tarnished a bit."
On Election night the world will be watching that democracy play out as Colorado decides a potential power shift in Congress that could have ramifications worldwide.
