Obama, Romney Win Big in Colorado

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

By STEVEN K. PAULSON, Associated Press Writer

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DENVER —

Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney scored overwhelming victories in Colorado's presidential caucuses on Tuesday, benefiting from a record turnout that included thousands of first-time caucus goers.

With 98 percent of Democratic precincts reporting, Obama had 66 percent of the vote to 33 percent for Hillary Clinton.

Obama drew his support from an energetic get-out-the-vote effort that relied heavily on college-age voters and other young people.

"It's all about these newly inspired voters, people who are tired of the same old politics in Washington," said Ray Rivera, state director for the Obama campaign.

The Democratic race in Colorado was especially crucial because the winner will be nominated at the party's convention in Denver in August.

For the Republicans, with 73 percent of precincts reporting, Romney had 59 percent, John McCain 19 percent, Mike Huckabee 13 percent and Ron Paul 8 percent.

Both parties reported extremely heavy turnout. At stake in Colorado were 43 Republican and 55 Democratic delegates selected through the caucuses.

The caucuses were nonbinding and Colorado voters won't select presidential delegates until the major parties have their state conventions in May.