1. Mike Bird had been encouraged by some of his supporters to run for governor in 1990. He decided instead to run for reelection to the Colorado state Senate in 1990 and save running for governor for 1994 or 1998.

2. Personal recollection of the author, conversation with Mike Bird, November 1992.

3. Mike Bird was not the only political observer in Colorado who saw Chuck Berry as a potential 1998 gubernatorial candidate. A photograph of Berry and his wife in a weekly newspaper in Denver had a cutline describing them as "Colorado's future 'first couple.'" Colorado Statesman, 1 April 1994, 17.

4. One reason Mike Bird announced his candidacy so early was that he thought some of his state Senate colleagues might object to him serving as chairman of the Joint Budget Committee while he was actively campaigning for governor. As it turned out, none of his colleagues had any objections. He served an additional term as Joint Budget Committee chairman during 1993 while in the early stages of his gubernatorial campaign.

5. John Sanko, "State Sen. Bird will run for governor," Rocky Mountain News, 10 November 1992.

6. For a lengthier description of Roy Romer's governorship, see Thomas E. Cronin and Robert D. Loevy, Colorado Politics and Government: Governing the Centennial State (Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press, 1993), 223-224.

7. A number of people argued, among them Mike Bird, that Roy Romer running for a third term as governor violated the spirit, if not the letter, of Colorado's term limits. If Romer were reelected, he would be the last Colorado governor elected to three four-year terms (12 years) in the Governor's Mansion.

8. For a more complete description of the nominating process in Colorado, see Cronin and Loevy, Colorado Politics and Government: Governing the Centennial State, 131-141.

9. The incumbent legislator who Mike Bird defeated in the 1982 Republican primary was Frank Randall, an outspoken conservative who had antagonized various moderate groups in the Republican Party in El Paso County. Several Republican members of the El Paso County delegation to the state House of Representatives urged Mike Bird to run against Frank Randall.

10. "Biographical Sketch of Mike Bird," Mike Bird for Governor campaign document, 1993.

11. Peter Sleeth, "Bird put OK on debatable S&L loan," Denver Post, 19 December 1993, 1B.

12. Angela Dire, "Bird eyes nest in governor's mansion," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 14 November 1993, B1.

13. According to Sherman Griffin, deputy campaign manager, Mike Bird for Governor, the video was set up and played at the Republican county assemblies in Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

14. Keith Coffman, "Can Mike Bird soar to new heights?" Colorado Springs Independent, 27 October 1994.

15. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Colorado Springs, 13 January 1996.

16. Fred Brown, "Sargent enters race for governor," Denver Post, 21 January 1994, 1B. "Sargent wants governor's Job," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 21 January 1994, B1.

17. Jeff Thomas, "Sargent sets sights on Romer," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 25 April 1994, B1.

18. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

19. Associated Press report, "Governor race gets 3rd GOP hopeful," Denver Post, 27 January 1994.

20. Jeff Thomas, "Candidate courts local Republicans," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 February 1994, B3.

21. Peter Blake, "Bird's last word scatters GOP foes," Rocky Mountain News, 17 November 1993, 5A.

22. Peter Blake, "Bird's last word scatters GOP foes," Rocky Mountain News, 17 November 1993, 5A.

23. See 2.

24. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

25. Renate Robey, "Aurora Mayor Tauer ends bid for gubernatorial seat," Denver Post, 1 February 1994, 3B.

26. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

27. Peter Blake, "Romer's job beckons Republican operative," Rocky Mountain News, 6 October 1993, 5A.

28. This view was shared by Sherman Griffin, who worked for Jim Nicholson before working for Mike Bird. Griffin argued Nicholson dropped out of the race for "purely personal" reasons and not because he was "scared" of Mike Bird. Griffin concluded: "On the contrary, [Nicholson] felt that his fund-raising capacity would be able to overcome any sort of head start gained by Mike Bird." Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

29. Angela Dire and Jeff Thomas, "Bird: My sights are set on Romer," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 16 November 1994.

30. Peter Blake, "Bird's last word scatters GOP foes," Rocky Mountain News, 17 November 1993, 5A.

31. Fred Brown, "Too serious to be taken seriously?" Denver Post, 17 November 1993, 7B.

32. Carl Hilliard (Associated Press), "Bird's candidacy needs bigger wings," Boulder Daily Camera, 21 November 1993.

33. Author's notes, Republican Governors Association Candidate Seminar, Phoenix, Arizona, 20 November 1993. The author accompanied Mike Bird to the seminar.

34. Personal letter from Mike Bird to Don Bain, state chairman, Colorado Republican Party, 24 November 1993.

35. Personal letter from Don Bain to Mike Bird, 1 December 1993.

36. The Mike Bird for Governor campaign staff was well aware of the "three phases" of a statewide election campaign in Colorado. The "three phases" were defined and discussed in a "campaign plan" which was distributed along with the Mike Bird for Governor biography.

37. All Bob Lee quotes from author's notes, Mike Bird for Governor campaign staff meeting with Bob Lee, Denver, 12 January 1994.

38. Peter Blake, "The latest buzz puts Benson in the wings," Rocky Mountain News, 19 January 1994, 5A.

39. Peter Blake, "Senator Bird undaunted by rumor of GOP rival," Rocky Mountain News, 21 January 1994, 5A.

40. According to Katy Atkinson, Bruce Benson's campaign manager, Peter Blake and the Rocky Mountain News had the story of Benson's impending candidacy in the newspaper before Bruce Benson had finally made up his mind to run. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, campaign manager, Bruce Benson for Governor, 19 December 1994.

41. "Bruce Benson 'looking carefully,'" Denver Post, 22 January 1994, 4B.

42. John Sanko, "State Sen. Bird will run for governor," Rocky Mountain News, 10 November 1992.

43. Author's notes, Mike Bird's comments on meeting with Bruce Benson, Denver, 9 February 1994.

44. Bruce Benson subsequently announced his net worth was only about $25 million, although there was some private speculation that skillful bookkeeping kept this figure lower than it actually was.

45. "Bruce Benson files for gov," Denver Post, 16 February 1994, 3B. Angela Dire, "Ex-GOP chief to run for governor," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 16 February 1994, B1.

46. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

47. Angela Dire, "GOP insider cast as outsider," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 4 April 1994, B1.

48. For detailed accounts of Bruce Benson's life and business career, see Jennifer Mears (Associated Press), "Republican candidates for governor explain views: Benson believes state not operated properly," Boulder Daily Camera, 1 August 1994, 9A; and Jennifer Gavin, "Trajectory always has been upward for GOP's Benson," Denver Post, 10 August 1994, 8A.

49. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

50. Stanley Kelley, Jr., Professional Public Relations and Political Power (Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Press, 1956).

51. Joe McGinniss, The Selling of the President 1968 (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1969).

52. Angela Dire, "GOP insider cast as outsider," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 4 April 1994, B1.

53. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

54. Fred Brown, "Benson to petition for ballot," Denver Post, 19 March 1994, 7B.

55. Katy Atkinson, Benson's campaign manager, stated there "was never any doubt that Bruce Benson could win 30 percent of the delegate vote and get on the ballot at the Republican State Assembly. The big worry was that Benson might finish second at the state assembly, get on the ballot, and go into the Republican primary as the assembly 'loser' rather than as the assembly 'winner.'" Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

56. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

57. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

58. Peter Blake, "Fearsome maze lies at Benson's feet," Rocky Mountain News, 6 April 1994, 5A.

59. Sherman Griffin believed the "free ride" atmosphere created by the early Benson campaign was a big part of Bruce Benson's appeal to Colorado Republicans in 1994. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

60. Peter Blake, "Fearsome maze lies at Benson's feet," Rocky Mountain News, 6 April 1994, 5A.

61. Katy Atkinson, Bruce Benson's campaign manager, said the official announcement was made the day before the precinct caucuses because that was the first day that signatures could be legally gathered for Benson's petitions. "Bruce Benson did not want to announce until Republican voters could sign his petitions," Katy Atkinson explained. "It was just by chance that the first day for petition signatures was the day before the precinct caucuses." Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

62. For a full page of photographs of the Bruce Benson for Governor announcement luncheon, see the Colorado Statesman, 8 April 1994, 11.

63. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson opens petition bid for GOP nomination," Denver Post, 5 April 1994, 1B.

64. Thaddeus Herrick, "Ex-GOP chief enters governor race," Rocky Mountain News, 5 April 1994, 4A.

65. Angela Dire, "Ex-GOP leader opens outsider's bid for governor," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 5 April 1994, B1.

66. For a fuller description of the Clinton-Gore buscapade in the 1992 presidential election campaign, see Robert D. Loevy, The Flawed Path to the Presidency 1992: Unfairness and Inequality in the Presidential Selection Process (Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1995), 193-197.

67. James Amos, "Former GOP chairman looks for supporters," Pueblo Chieftain, 15 April 1994, 4B.

68. Juan Espinosa, "Benson brings bus campaign to Pueblo," Pueblo Chieftain, 15 April 1994.

69. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson's route: by bus," Denver Post, 24 April 1994, 1C.

70. Peter Blake, "For Benson, grass roots green indeed," Rocky Mountain News, 22 April 1994, 5A.

71. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

72. Peter Blake, "Demise of caucuses may be mercy killing," Rocky Mountain News, 8 April 1994, 5A.

73. It is one of the realities of campaign fund-raising that not all pledges turn into actual contributions. Only about 50 percent of the pledges at this fund-raiser turned into actual contributions, or about $25,000.

74. "Klingsmith bows out of governor race," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 20 April 1994, B5.

75. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

76. During this period Mike Bird was getting a big laugh from his audiences by concluding his speeches with the line: "And remember, in 1994, with your help, let's give 'em the Bird." There was considerable debate at Mike Bird for Governor headquarters over whether this line was acceptable, in that to give someone "the bird" also meant to give them "the finger." One straight-laced constituent suggested that Mike Bird might better end his speeches with the line: "Let's fly high with Mike Bird."

77. The volunteer was the author.

78. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

79. Peter Blake, "Benson burns up GOP caucus trail," Rocky Mountain News, 25 April 1994, 5A.

80. Peter Blake, "Benson burns up GOP caucus trail," Rocky Mountain News, 25 April 1994, 5A.

81. Jennifer Gavin, "Right trend sweeps GOP caucus," Denver Post, 1 May 1994, 2C.

82. Author's notes, Alamosa County Republican Assembly, Alamosa, 30 April 1994.

83. Peter Blake, "Benson burns up GOP caucus trail," 25 April 1994, 5A.

84. Attachment to Severin/Aviles sales letter to Mike Bird for Governor campaign dated 26 April 94.

85. All quotes from Jay Severin from author's notes, telephone call from Jay Severin, Severin/Aviles/Associates, 25 April 1994.

86. Sometimes candidates receive conflicting advice from different would-be political consultants. Unlike Jamie Osborne, who favored cable TV for its cheapness, another consultant recommended not using cable TV at all because "cable viewers tend to have already made up their minds."

87. All quotes from Jamie Osborne from author's notes, telephone call from Jamie Osborne, vice president, Colonial Media Group, 11 April 1994.

88. Mike Bird for Governor office memo concerning comments by Carol M. Hadl, account executive, KOAA-TV (Colorado Springs/Pueblo), undated.

89. Author's notes, telephone interview with Ginger Kathrens, film producer, Taurus Productions, Colorado Springs, undated.

90. Author's notes, telephone interview with Nechie Hall, co-owner, Praco Advertising, Colorado Springs, undated.

91. Angela Dire, "Benson calls for end to GOP gubernatorial candidates' backbiting," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 22 April 1994, B9.

92. "The Broken Commandment," Colorado Statesman, 22 April 1994, 5.

93. Angela Dire, "Benson calls for end to GOP gubernatorial candidates' backbiting," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 22 April 1994, B9.

94. "The Broken Commandment," Colorado Statesman, 22 April 1994, 5.

95. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

96. Sherman Griffin was particularly convinced that Bruce Benson made a conscious decision not to debate rather than "stumbling" into such a position. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

97. Press release, Mike Bird for Governor campaign, 25 April 1994.

98. "Outpoll me, I'll quit," Denver Post, 27 April 1994.

99. "Bird vows to drop bid if Benson wins assembly vote," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 27 April 1994, B5.

100. Peter Blake, "Bird wants Benson at GOP state assembly," Rocky Mountain News, 26 April 1994, 10A.

101. Jody Hope Strogoff, "Fear & loathing on the (GOP) campaign trail," Colorado Statesman, 29 April 1994, 2.

102. Peter Roper, "At GOP meet, Bird unable to lure Benson into debate," Pueblo Chieftain, 1 May 1994, 1A.

103. Thaddeus Herrick, "Bird attacks 'stealth' candidate," Rocky Mountain News, 2 June 1994. Fred Brown, "Benson too fuzzy, Bird says," Denver Post, 2 June 1994. Angela Dire, "Governor's race heats up on eve of GOP assembly," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 2 June 1994, B1.

104. Bob Kretschman, "Benson's absence noted at debate," Greeley Tribune, 4 May 1994. See also Ann Elisabeth Addison, "Republican hopefuls meet in Conifer," Conifer High Timber Times, 12 May 1994, 1.

105. Peter Blake, "Much ado about job that means nothing," Rocky Mountain News, 11 May 1994, 5A.

106. Governor Romer had particularly antagonized some Adams County politicians by arguing that the new airport would create jobs for residents of Adams County. Denver had a law requiring that all Denver city employees live in Denver, which meant that Adams County residents would have had to move to Denver if they wanted to work at the "city" airport.

107. Robert Kowalski, "Benson not always a foe of DIA," Denver Post, 3 May 1994, 1A.

108. Robert Kowalski, "Benson admits he donated," Denver Post, 6 May 1994. Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson says stand on DIA consistent," Rocky Mountain News, 6 May 1994.

109. Peter Blake, "'Guilt money' lands Benson in a jam," Rocky Mountain News, 6 May 1994, 5A.

110. Charles Roos, "$500 might not be a lot, but it's too much to forget," Rocky Mountain News, 13 May 1994, 50A.

111. "Benson needs to show us his friends won't call the shots," Denver Post, 15 May 1994, 2D.

112. Robert Kowalski, "Benson's ads hit Romer over airport," Denver Post, 13 May 1994, 1B. Peter Blake, "Benson wants Romer to take fall on DIA," Rocky Mountain News, 13 May 1994, 5A. "Thursday At The Movies," Colorado Statesman, 13 May 1994, 2.

114. Steve Lipsher, "Group decries Benson TV ads," Denver Post, 18 May 1994, 1B. Angela Dire, "Leaders tell Benson: Stop lashing Romer over DIA," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 18 May 1994, B8.

115. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

116. Jennifer Gavin, "Money no issue to oilman," Denver Post, 3 May 1994, 17A. Also see Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson says he'll head state for free," Rocky Mountain News, 3 May 1994, 10A.

117. "Romer and Benson trade charges as campaign heats," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 6 May 1994, B5.

118. Jody Hope Strogoff, "'Free' offer may prove costly for Benson," Colorado Statesman, 6 May 1994, 2.

119. Author's notes, Thaddeus Herrick interview of Mike Bird, Colorado Springs, 17 May 1994.

120. Thaddeus Herrick, "Sen. Bird expects wealthy front-runner Benson to slip," Rocky Mountain News, 11A.

121. Election results for Golden city council elections provided to Mike Bird for Governor headquarters by the Golden City Clerk's office.

122. Author's notes, candidate debate at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 17 May 1994.

123. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

124. "In Your Dreams," Colorado Statesman, 27 May 1994, 5.

125. Interestingly, Republican State Headquarters did not call Dick Sargent and ask him not to protest Bruce Benson's ballot signatures. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

126. Letter in author's files, Kathy Arnold to 1994 Republican State Assembly delegates, 4 June 1994.

127. Peter Blake, "Benson shadow falls over GOP Assembly," Rocky Mountain News, 3 June 1994, 5A.

128. Author's notes, telephone interview with Donna Scherer, wife of Bird campaign manager Jim Scherer, 6 June 1994.

129. Press release (untitled), Mike Bird for Governor campaign, 3 June 1994.

130. Fred Brown, "Convention shaping GOP election slate," Denver Post, 4 June 1994, 1B. Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson's spending under fire," Rocky Mountain News, 4 June 1994, 4A. Tom McAvoy, "Benson presence felt by other hopefuls," Pueblo Chieftain, 5 June 1994, 4B.

131. Personal observation of the author.

132. Dave Buresh, photograph entitled "Pleased," Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 6A.

133. Author's notes, speech by U.S. Senator Phil Gramm of Texas, 1994 Colorado Republican State Assembly, Denver, 4 June 1994.

134. Having the results reported individually by county was a return to a previous practice that had been dropped at recent Republican state assemblies. Apparently a sizable number of Republican regulars wanted to go back to the old way.

135. Dennis Ritchie, press assistant, Mike Bird for Governor, discussion with the author, Colorado Springs, 6 June 1994.

136. Fred Brown, "Bird bests Sargent in GOP voting," Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 1A.

137. Although the Mike Bird forces heard that Bruce Benson supporters were being asked to cast their assembly votes for Dick Sargent, no such rumors ever reached Dick Sargent himself. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

138. Thaddeus Herrick, "GOP convention clears way for bitter primary," Rocky Mountain News, 5 June 1994, 4A. Fred Brown, "Bird bests Sargent in GOP voting," Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 1A.

139. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

140. Dave Buresh, photograph entitled "Pleased," Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 6A.

141. Fred Brown, "Benson petitions draw late protest," Denver Post, 10 June 1994, 4B.

142. Fred Brown, "Benson petitions draw late protest," Denver Post, 10 June 1994, 4B.

143. Angela Dire, "Late anti-Benson petitions rejected," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 15 June 1994, B6. Jennifer Gavin, "Meyer: Benson foe's complaint too late," Denver Post, 15 June 1994, 4B.

144. Daniel Brewer-Ward repeatedly called Sherman Griffin at the Mike Bird for Governor campaign headquarters in Denver and urged the Mike Bird forces to join the Benson petition signatures lawsuit. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995. The Mike Bird campaign stayed with the original decision not to protest Benson's petition signatures.

145. Jennifer Gavin, "Lawsuit challenges validity of Benson's petitions," Denver Post, 29 June 1994, 3B.

146. "Benson petition challenge dismissed," Denver Post, 30 July 1994, 3B.

147. Letter from Bruce Benson to Mike Bird, 6 June 1994.

148. Peter Blake, "Benson is tiptoeing to an actual debate," Rocky Mountain News, 8 June 1994, 5A. Angela Dire, "Benson calls on rivals to avoid GOP 'blood bath,'" Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 8 June 1994, B3. Tom McAvoy, "Bruce Benson now wants forums with his two opponents," Pueblo Chieftain, 8 June 1994.

149. Peter Blake, "Benson is tiptoeing to an actual debate," Rocky Mountain News, 8 June 1994, 5A.

150. Author's notes, telephone call to Mike Bird for Governor headquarters from Bill Stokes, 7 June 1994.

151. Fred Brown, "Park Hill activist has no regrets about closing Stapleton," Denver Post, 10 June 1994, 1B.

152. Mark Obmascik, "Benson targeted in debate," Denver Post, 12 June 1994, 1A.

153. Peter Blake, "Benson a little rusty, but survives debate," Rocky Mountain News, 13 June 1994, 5A.

154. Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson holds his fire under attacks," Rocky Mountain News, 12 June 1994, 5A.

155. Author's notes, negotiating session between Benson, Bird, and Sargent campaign staffs, Denver Hilton Hotel South, 14 June 1994.

156. These rumors and stories about the Sargent campaign circulated mainly in Denver and were picked up by Sherman Griffin, deputy campaign manager, Mike Bird for Governor, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995. After the election, Dick Sargent confirmed that he had pledged to return 80 percent of his contributions to his contributors if he did not get nominated at the state assembly. Sargent said, however, that he was feeling no pressure to quit following the assembly and that he could have paid back his contributors if he had decided to exit the race. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Colorado Springs, 13 January 1996.

157. All reports and rumors on the Dick Sargent for Governor campaign from author's notes, conversations with Mike Bird for Governor campaign staff, 21 June 1994.

158. After the election, Dick Sargent noted that he specifically appealed for the votes of Hispanics who had served in the military. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Colorado Springs, 13 January 1996.

159. Dick Sargent shared Mike Bird's view that the mid-June debate before the Colorado Municipal League was one of the high spots of the Republican gubernatorial primary election campaign. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

160. Author's notes, Mike Bird for Governor campaign staff meeting with Mike Bird, 20 June 1994.

161. David Van Biema, "What Money Can Buy," Time, 20 June 1994, 35.

162. Scott Armstrong, "GOP Hopes to Pick Up Colorado Governor's Seat," Christian Science Monitor, 17 June 1994, 2.

163. All of Jim Arnold's remarks from author's notes, lunch meeting at Morgan's Restaurant, Stapleton Airport Sheraton Inn, with Jim Arnold, Wilson Communication Services, 8 June 1994.

164. Author's notes, telephone call to Mike Bird for Governor headquarters from Jim Arnold, 15 June 1994.

165. All quotes by both the Wilson staff and the Bird staff are from author's notes, conference calls concerning the TV scripts, 28 June 1994, 30 June 1994.

166. Personal recollection of the author.

167. This account of the chicken incident in Acacia Park in Colorado Springs did not appear in print until a month later. See Jennifer Gavin, "Fowl words ruffle candidates' feathers," Denver Post, 28 July 1994, 3B.

168. Here again the chicken incident was not covered by the press until sometime later. See Leslie Jorgensen, "Republican roosters Bird and Benson scratch and scrap!" Colorado Statesman, 29 July 1994, 7.

169. Fred Brown, "Depressing: Political ads start before back-to-school ads," Denver Post, 15 July 1994, B1. Peter Blake, "Gubernatorial race still humming along," Rocky Mountain News, 15 July 1994, 5A.

170. The Colorado state legislature had recently enacted a law providing for "early voting." For a three-week period prior to both the primary and the general election, Colorado voters could go to their county courthouse or election office and cast their ballot early. The Mike Bird for Governor campaign developed and used a slogan to draw attention to early voting: "Be an early bird! Cast an early vote for Mike Bird!"

171. Mike Bird for Governor campaign press release, 18 July 1994.

172. Jennifer Gavin, "Governor hopeful unveils ads," Denver Post, 19 July 1994, 1B.

173. Angela Dire, "New Bird ads call Benson 'Mr. TV-Head,'" Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 19 July 1994, B1. John Sanko, "Bird pecks away at Benson with 'Mr. TV-Head' ad," Rocky Mountain News, 19 July 1994, 5A. See also Carl Hilliard (Associated Press), "GOP gubernatorial hopeful unveils new TV ad," Boulder Daily Camera, 19 July 1994, 3A.

174. Peter Blake, "Bird's TV attack may help Benson," Rocky Mountain News, 20 July 94, 5A.

175. Brian Weber, "Governor's race tightens," Rocky Mountain News, 21 July 1994, 5A

176. Fred Brown, "Benson gaining on Romer, poll says," Denver Post, 24 July 1994, 1C.

177. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

178. There was much arguing over exactly what it was the Benson poll takers actually said to the persons they telephoned. This particular version, which became widely accepted in the news media, is from Fred Brown, "See no evil, hear no evil, but maybe speak just a little evil," Denver Post, 22 July 1994, 1B.

179. Author's notes, telephone interview with Bob Gardner, El Paso County Republican chairman, 22 July 1994.

180. Leslie Jorgensen, "Republican roosters Bird and Benson scratch and scrap!" Colorado Statesman, 29 July 1994, 7.

181. Fred Brown, "See no evil, hear no evil, but maybe speak just a little evil," Denver Post, 22 July 1994, 1B.

182. "Bird says Benson 'survey' is just a dirty political trick," Rocky Mountain News, 23 July 1994, 8A. Jennifer Gavin, "GOP primary opponents blast Benson," Denver Post, 26 July 1994, 3B. See also a small item in Peter Blake's political column, "No room for liberals in politics of crime," Rocky Mountain News, 27 July 1994, 5A.

183. "Bird says Benson 'survey' is just a dirty political trick," Rocky Mountain News, 23 July 1994, 8A.

184. Cara DeGette, "Benson disputes telephone poll," Colorado Springs Independent, 27 July 1994, 5.

185. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

186. Campaign staff memorandum to Mike Bird, 25 July 1994.

187. See 210-212.

188. Personal recollection of Mike Bird, conversation with the author, Colorado Springs, 27 July 1994.

189. John Sanko, "Bird gets steamed when chicken gets his goat," Rocky Mountain News, 27 July 1994, 4A. See also Jennifer Gavin, "Bird assails Benson over 'dirty tricks,' Denver Post, 27 July 1994, 1B. For partial word-by-word coverage, see Carl Hilliard, "The great chicken-suit debate," Boulder Daily Camera, 30 July 1994, 14A. The most complete account of the KVOR radio debate appeared in the Colorado Statesman, which obtained a tape of the broadcast from the radio station. See Leslie Jorgensen, "Republican roosters Bird and Benson scratch and scrap!" Colorado Statesman, 29 July 1994, 7. The author also worked from his own tape recording of the KVOR candidate debate.

190. Angela Dire, "GOP feud almost gets physical," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 28 July 1994, B1. For other "second day" stories on the KVOR radio debate, see John Sanko, "Bird's feathers are still ruffled," Rocky Mountain News, 28 July 1994, 8A, and Jennifer Gavin, "Fowl words ruffle candidates' feathers," Denver Post, 28 July 1994, 3B.

191. See 147-151.

192. John Sanko, "Gubernatorial hopefuls spar on talk radio show, but no blows are thrown," Rocky Mountain News, 29 July 1994. For additional material on the KOA radio debate, see Leslie Jorgensen, "Republican roosters Bird and Benson scratch and scrap," Colorado Statesman, 29 July 1994, 7. The author listened to the debate on a car radio while riding as a passenger from Denver to Colorado Springs and took extensive notes.

193. Peter Blake, "Bird still boiling over chicken attack," Rocky Mountain News, 29 July 1994, 5A.

194. Raymond McCaffrey, "Gubernatorial candidates cry fowl play as race is sidetracked," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 29 July 1994.

195. Mike Bird for Governor campaign memorandum, "Notes: 'Once A Chicken, Now A Duck!'" written approximately 29 July 1994.

196. Associated Press report, "Benson defends war chest in GOP candidates' debate," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 30 July 1994, B1. See also Jennifer Gavin, "Governor hopefuls debate," Denver Post, 30 July 1994, 3B, and John Sanko, "Warning from Bird: Beware the running of the 'hogs,'" Rocky Mountain News, 30 July 1994. The debate was scheduled to play the following Wednesday, 3 August 1994, on educational television in Colorado, KRMA Channel 6 in Denver and KTSC Channels 8 and 15 in Pueblo-Colorado Springs.

197. Angela Dire, "Benson spends to a record," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 29 July 1994, A1. Burt Hubbard, "Campaign spending on record pace: With two millionaires, gubernatorial race may be richest ever," Rocky Mountain News, 29 July 1994, 4A.

198. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson reveals finances," Denver Post, 29 July 1994, 1A. Burt Hubbard, "Campaign spending on record pace: Benson weighs in as wealthiest contender for governor's title," Rocky Mountain News, 29 July 1994, 4A.

199. Jennifer Gavin, "Donations to Romer, Benson revealed," Denver Post, 29 July 1994, 13A.

200. Burt Hubbard, "Campaign spending on record pace: With two millionaires, gubernatorial race may be richest ever," Rocky Mountain News, 29 July 1994, 4A.

201. Angela Dire, "Benson spends to a record," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 29 July 1994, A1.

202. "Benson defends war chest in GOP candidates' debate," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 30 July 1994, B1.

203. John Sanko, "Warning from Bird: Beware the running of the 'hogs,'" Rocky Mountain News, 30 July 1994.

204. Jennifer Gavin, "Sargent files spending report," Denver Post, 30 July 1994, 3B.

205. Author's notes, interview with Dick Sargent, Denver, 21 November 1994.

206. Press release, Mike Bird for Governor campaign, 29 July 1994.

207. John Sanko, "Warning from Bird: Beware the running of the 'hogs,'" Rocky Mountain News, 30 July 1994.

208. Jennifer Mears (Associated Press), "Benson defends war chest in debate with Bird, Sargent," Boulder Daily Camera, 30 July 1994, 8A.

209. Pam Zubeck, "Ex-NFL passer upstages Benson," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 1 August 1994, B2.

210. R. Chris Burnett, "Kemp backs Benson to challenge Romer," Pueblo Chieftain, 1 August 1994, 5A.

211. "Campaign Notebook: All-Star Endorsements," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 28 July 1994.

212. Jennifer Gavin, "GOP candidates heat up campaigns," Denver Post, 5 August 1994, 7B.

213. Fred Brown, "Citizens for Romer could use a subsidiary called GRRR," Denver Post, 5 August 1994, 1B.

214. Dennis Ritchie, written comments to the author, 21 March 1995.

215. Fred Brown, "Style splits Republican candidates," Denver Post, 6 August 1994, 3B.

216. Thaddeus Herrick, "GOP rivals attack Benson in last debate," Rocky Mountain News, 6 August 1994, 6A.

217. Thaddeus Herrick, "GOP race a battle of the buck?" Rocky Mountain News, 7 August 1994, 6A.

218. Angela Dire, "Governor's race reflects same old story," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 7 August 1994, B4.

219. Sherman Griffin, written comments to the author, 7 May 1995.

220. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer challenges Benson to debates," Denver Post, 10 August 1994, 8A.

221. Angela Dire, "Benson scores decisive victory," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 August 1994, A1.

222. Angela Dire, "With no regrets, Bird exits public life," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 11 August 1994, A3.

223. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer challenges Benson to debates," Denver Post, 10 August 1994, 8A.

224. Angela Dire, "Benson scores decisive victory," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 August 1994, A1.

225. For the complete 1994 Republican gubernatorial primary election returns by county, see the chart labeled "Governor," Denver Post, 11 August 1994, 16A.

226. Angela Dire, "Benson scores decisive victory," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 August 94, A1.

227. Fred Brown, "Election turnout close to lowest," Denver Post, 11 August 1994, 19A.

228. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

229. When the final figures were in, about one month after the Republican primary, it turned out Bruce Benson had spent a total of $2.6 million to win the 1994 Republican nomination for governor of Colorado.

230. Fred Brown, "Tradition puts onus on rich candidates," Denver Post, 10 August 1994, 8A.

231. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer challenges Benson to debates," Denver Post, 10 August 1994, 8A. Actually, Roy Romer had been talking about "30 debates" as early as two weeks before the Republican primary. When told of Romer's proposal, Mike Bird eagerly responded that, if nominated in the August Republican gubernatorial primary, he would challenge Roy Romer to "50 debates." Mike Bird chose that number because Abraham Lincoln challenged Stephen Douglas to 50 debates in their famous U.S. Senate race in Illinois in 1858.

232. Angela Dire, "Benson scores decisive victory," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 August 1994, A1.

233. Angela Dire, "Benson calling in some favors," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 11 August 1994, A1.

234. Thaddeus Herrick, "Every vote cost Benson $20.23," Rocky Mountain News, 11 August 1994, 5A.

235. Peter Blake, "Picket line unlikely to trip Tipper Gore," Rocky Mountain News, 8 August 1994, 5A.

236. During his unsuccessful attempt to win the Republican nomination for governor of Colorado in 1994, Mike Bird sought to make an issue of Roy Romer's "oatmeal" breakfasts. Campaigning in Holly in early June, Mike Bird made it a point to order bacon and eggs rather than oatmeal for his morning meal. "Real governors," Mike Bird told the news media, "eat bacon and eggs."

237. "Return to Roots," photo by Shaun Stanley, Denver Post, 25 March 1994, 1B. "Politics," photo by Associated Press, Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 25 March 1994, B1. "Home to Holly," uncredited photo series, Colorado Statesman, 1 April 1994, 9.

238. Fred Brown, "Romer seeks 3rd term," Denver Post, 25 March 1994, 1B.

239. Associated Press report, "Romer's road begins at home," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 25 March 1994, B1.

240. Jody Hope Strogoff, "The return trip back home...," Colorado Statesman, 1 April 1994, 2.

241. Author's notes, telephone interview with Scott Chase, deputy campaign manager, Citizens for Romer, 23 December 1994.

242. See 125-130.

243. Peter Blake, "You can't tell GOP without a program," Rocky Mountain News, 27 May 1994, 5A.

244. The Clinton fund-raiser for Roy Romer was hosted by Stephen Wolf, president and chief executive officer of United Airlines. Governor Romer had strongly supported a proposal that Colorado give giant tax breaks and subsidies to United Airlines to encourage the company to locate a major aircraft maintenance facility in Denver. The tax breaks and subsidies were offered in vain. United eventually selected Indianapolis, Indiana, as the site for the aircraft maintenance facility.

245. Peter Blake, "No cabinet member is safe (subheading)," Rocky Mountain News, 15 June 1994, 5A.

246. For a fuller discussion and analysis of the reduced role of political party national conventions in nominating party candidates for president, see Loevy, The Flawed Path to the Presidency 1992: Unfairness and Inequality in the Presidential Selection Process, 164-167.

247. "On The Ballot," photo by David Zalubowski of the Associated Press, Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 7A.

248. Steve Lipsher, "Dems show unity," Denver Post, 5 June 1994, 7A.

249. Thaddeus Herrick, "Romer tough on criminals, records show," Rocky Mountain News, 28 June 1994, 4A. Angela Dire, "Romer touts his 'tough' stand on crime, capital punishment," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 28 June 1994, B3.

250. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer down on Clinton plan," Denver Post, 28 June 1994, 5B.

251. Tom McAvoy, "Romer forms new fugitive-apprehension unit," Pueblo Chieftain, 7 July 1994, 5A.

252. Charles Roos, "Forest fires demonstrate power of the incumbent," Rocky Mountain News, 22 July 1994, 51A.

253. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer election focus: kids," Denver Post, 31 August 1994, 1B.

254. Jennifer Gavin, "Wider access to day-care files gets OK," Denver Post, 7 September 1994, 20A.

255. Bill Vogrin, "Romer: Protect land north of Springs," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 13 October 1994, C8.

256. Steve Raabe, "Merrill Lynch selects Denver," Denver Post, 14 September 1994, 1A.

258. Jennifer Gavin, "Confessions, car chases and $8.7 million spice up governor's race," Denver Post, 6 November 1994, 12A.

259. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson OKs 11 instead of 30 debates," Denver Post, 20 August 1994, 4B. Associated Press report, "Benson counters on debates: Let's hold 11 instead of 30," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 20 August 1994, B3. Jennifer Gavin, "Gubernatorial debate schedule taking shape," Denver Post, 25 August 1994, 6B.

260. Author's notes, telephone interview with Scott Chase, 23 December 1994.

261. For a discussion of the Benson Mineral Group's various environmental problems, see Bruce Finley, "Benson opens books on his ecology record," Denver Post, 10 September 1994, 3B.

262. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson admits 2 DUIs," Denver Post, 7 September 1994, 1A.

263. Katie Kerwin, "Benson tells of 2 DUI arrests," Rocky Mountain News, 7 September 1994, 5A.

264. Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson advised to come clean," Rocky Mountain News, 7 September 1994, 6A.

265. Angela Dire, "Benson comes clean at debate," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 7 September 1994, A1.

266. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson admits 2 DUIs," Denver Post, 7 September 1994, A1. Fred Brown, "Benson's 'fessing up wise, say pros," Denver Post, 8 September 1994, 1B. Fred Brown, "Benson's DUI revelation made the best of a bad situation," Denver Post, 9 September 1994, 1B. Bob Ewegen, "Private lives, public offices: how often the twain doth meet," Denver Post, 12 September 1994, 7B. Gil Spencer, "Mr. Benson jump starts the debate," Denver Post, 18 September 1994, 1E. Editorial, "DUIs 13 and 14 years ago; a governor's race today," Denver Post, 9 September 1994, 6B. Political cartoon by Mike Keefe, "The Gubernatorial Debates," Denver Post, 9 September 1994, 6B.

267. Katie Kerwin, "Benson tells of 2 DUI arrests," Rocky Mountain News, 7 September 1994, 5A. Thaddeus Herrick, "Benson advised to come clean," Rocky Mountain News, 7 September 1994, 6A. Peter Blake, "What'll Benson pull out of his closet next?" Rocky Mountain News, 9 September 1994, 5A.

268. Angela Dire, "Benson comes clean at debate," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 7 September 1994, A1. Political cartoon by Chuck Asay, "Voters' Choice For Governor," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 10 September 1994, B4.

269. Angela Dire, "Benson comes clean at debate," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 7 September 1994, A1.

270. Katie Kerwin, "Taxpayers foot bill for Bea Romer's car," Rocky Mountain News, 18 September 1994, 4A.

271. Katie Kerwin, "Romer returning wife's state car," Rocky Mountain News, 21 September 1994, 5A.

272. Editorial, "Bea's Caprice was not capricious," Denver Post, 22 September 1994, 8B.

273. Howard Pankratz, "Benson divorce file to be open," Denver Post, 17 September 1994, 1B.

274. Fred Brown, "Benson's baggage isn't any lighter," Denver Post, 28 September 1994, 9B.

275. Author's notes, telephone interview with Dave Lougee, vice president and news director at KUSA-TV in Denver, 27 January 1995.

276. Howard Pankratz, "Benson divorce file to be open," Denver Post, 17 September 1994, 1B.

277. Katie Kerwin, "Bensons give up divorce-records battle," Rocky Mountain News, 22 September 1994, 5A.

278. This account of the political reaction to Bruce Benson's and Nancy Benson's divorce file is taken from two main sources: Howard Pankratz and Robert Kowalski, "Files detail story of Benson divorce," Denver Post, 23 September 1994, 1A; Katie Kerwin, "Benson reveals nasty divorce," Rocky Mountain News, 23 September 1994, 4A. See also an article by Angela Dire in the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph dated 23 September 1994, A1.

279. After the 1994 gubernatorial general election was over, Phil Klingsmith, a dropout from the race for the 1994 Republican nomination for governor, pointed out that Don Bain's Denver law firm was co-counsel to Bruce Benson in his divorce proceedings against Nancy Benson. This seemed to suggest that Republican State Chairman Bain was not really a neutral player in the 1994 Republican gubernatorial primary. See "Elementary Lessons," Colorado Statesman, 25 November 1994, 3.

280. Robert Kowalski, "From 'he's toast' to 'not relevant,' observers split on impact," Denver Post, 23 September 1994, 22A.

281. Jeff Thomas, "Revelations bring character questions into Benson's campaign," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 24 September 1994, A1.

282. Fred Brown, "Benson's baggage isn't any lighter," Denver Post, 28 September 1994, 9B.

283. Associated Press report, "Benson tells press to back off," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 26 September 1994, B4.

284. Fred Brown and Jennifer Gavin, "Romer way out in front," Denver Post, 5 October 1994, 1A.

285. Angela Dire, "Numbers don't bode well for Benson," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 6 October 1994, B1.

286. Fred Brown, "Romer TV ads to hit air," Denver Post, 5 September 1994, 1A.

287. Peter Blake, "Romer and Benson fire up the airwaves," Rocky Mountain News, 21 September 1994, 5A.

288. Fred Brown, "Governors are more powerful in TV ads than in the flesh," Denver Post, 30 September 1994, 1B.

289. Jeffrey A. Roberts, "Political SpotCheck: Benson ad technically correct, but misleading," Denver Post, 3 October 1994, 1A.

290. Jeffrey A. Roberts, "Romer hailed in TV ad as No. 2 fiscally conservative governor," Denver Post, 7 October 1994, 6A.

291. There were many newspaper descriptions and analyses of this TV ad. Angela Dire, "High hopes look like pipe dream," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 6 November 1994, A15. Hal Shroyer, "How did Bruce Benson foul up? Let me count the ways...," letter to the Colorado Statesman, 18 November 1994, 3.

292. Newspaper advertisement, "An open letter to the people of Colorado," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 14 October 1994, A5; Denver Post, 19 October 1994, 17A. Note the difference in dates. The ad may have been test marketed in Colorado Springs and subsequently run in Denver newspapers.

293. Angela Dire, "High hopes look like pipe dream," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 6 November 1994, A15.

294. Fred Brown, "Romer win it, or Benson lose it?" Denver Post, 10 November 1994, 1A.

295. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

296. "Sex, booze, and anti-incumbency," Economist, 29 October 1994, 28.

297. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson recruits ad man; negative spots anticipated," Denver Post, 18 October 1994, 4B.

298. Maureen Harrington, "Romer target of chase," Denver Post, 2 October 1994, 1A.

299. Teresa Owen-Cooper, "Romer's driver eludes pursuers," Colorado Spring Gazette Telegraph, 2 October 1994, A1.

300. Chuck Green, "Hunt for Red October triggered by Chevy Chase," Denver Post, 9 October 1994.

301. Fred Brown, "Who were those guys anyway?" Denver Post, 5 October 1994, 7B.

302. This account of Benson's "no debates" decision is based mainly on Angela Dire, "Benson: 'No more debates,' Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 7 October 1994, A1. See also Jennifer Gavin, "Benson: No debates," Denver Post, 7 October 1994, 1A.

303. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer bumps stumps," Denver Post, 15 October 1994, 14A. For a look at "the duck" at a 10 October 1994 Benson rally, see photograph by Thomas Kelsey, Rocky Mountain News, 6 November 1994, 31A. For a drawing of "the duck" and the 20 questions "the duck" asked Benson the last 20 days of the election campaign, see the Romer advertisement, "Duck but please don't hide," Colorado Statesman, 28 October 1994, 23.

304. See 231-232.

305. Author's notes, telephone interview with Scott Chase, 23 December 1994.

306. "Romer given Hispanic group's first-ever nod," Denver Post, 19 October 1994, 4B.

307. Fred Brown, "Bruce 'Bad News' Benson," Denver Post, 12 October 1994, 7B.

308. Angela Dire, "Teachers in Denver have right to strike, judge says," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 13 October 1994, A1. Note that the Gazette Telegraph reporter who ordinarily covered the gubernatorial election campaign was sent to cover the Denver school strike.

309. Associated Press photograph, "Governor Roy Romer travels Thursday between offices at the Capitol in Denver, helping with negotiations in the teachers strike," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 14 October 1994, A1.

310. Mark Stevens, "Teacher talks go late," Denver Post, 13 October 1994, 1A.

311. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer bumps stumps," Denver Post, 15 October 1994, 14A.

312. Fred Brown, "Playing referee is one of the few things a governor can do," Denver Post, 14 October 1994, 1B.

313. Mark Stevens, "Strike talks making 'progress,'" Denver Post, 14 October 1994, 1A. Photograph by Brian Brainerd, "Making Headway," Denver Post, 14 October 1994, 1A.

314. Tracy Seipel and Janet Bingham, "Teachers approve contract;" Janet Bingham, "Romer: Accord on cutting edge of reform;" photograph by Kent Meireis, "Relieved;" all in Denver Post, 16 October 1994, 1A.

315. Mark Stevens, "2 on board say strike planned," Denver Post, 19 October 1994, 1A.

316. A Ciruli & Associates poll for the Rocky Mountain News and KUSA-TV Channel 9 in mid-October showed Romer with 52 percent and Benson with only 29 percent. See "Romer given Hispanic group's first-ever nod," Denver Post, 19 October 1994, 4B. See also Fred Brown, "A threepeat for Romer?" Denver Post, 6 November 1994, 1A.

317. Katie Kerwin, "Troopers did personal jobs for Romers," Rocky Mountain News, 21 October 1994, 4A.

318. Jennifer Gavin, "Romer admits trooper misuses," Denver Post, 22 October 1994, 1A.

319. Jeffrey A. Roberts, "Ad misuses statistic in lawsuit," Denver Post, 29 October 1994, 1B.

320. "GOP chief calls for Romer grand-jury probe," Denver Post, 23 October 1994, 2C.

321. Author's notes, telephone interview with Scott Chase, 23 December 1994.

322. John Sanko, "Romer, Benson camps break no laws," Rocky Mountain News, 5 November 1994, 5A. "Romer, Benson 'cleared,'" Denver Post, 5 November 1994, 1A. "Campaign allegations unfounded," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 5 November 1994, B1.

323. Associated Press report, "Perot backs Romer's reelection bid," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 22 October 1994, B4. Angela Dire, "Perot gives Romer camp big bucks," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 28 October 1994, B1. Citizens for Romer '94 paid political advertisement, "A message from Ross Perot," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 30 October 1994, A27.

324. Jeff Thomas, "Campaign cost at $8 million and counting," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 29 October 1994, A1. Adriel Bettelheim, "'94 race for governor most costly ever for Colorado," Denver Post, 5 November 1994, 6A. Final fund-raising figures for the gubernatorial race, filed after election day, totaled $9.3 million. Romer raised $3.47 million; Benson $5.87 million. Benson provided more than $3.45 million of his own money to his campaign. See Jennifer Gavin, "Governor-race donations hit $9.3 million," Denver Post, 9 December 1994, 6B.

325. Chart, "State Races," Denver Post, 10 November 1994, 16A.

326. Romer quotes from Dan Goodgame, "Right Makes Might," Time, 21 November 1994, 53-62.

327. Angela Dire, "Governor credits positive campaign," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 9 November 1994, A1. Patrick O'Driscoll, Adriel Bettelheim, and Robert Kowalski, "Romer romps to win," Denver Post, 9 November 1994, 1A.

328. Guy Kelly, "Benson campaign assails coverage," Rocky Mountain News, 9 November 1994, 4A.

329. Romel Hernandez, "Benson looks past polls, keeps eyes on the prize," Rocky Mountain News, 6 November 1994, 4A.

330. "Gossip: Republican Ruffians," Colorado Statesman, 11 November 1994, 2. See also Angela Dire, "Governor credits positive campaign," Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph, 9 November 1994, A1.

331. Fred Brown, "No ruts in the middle of the road," Denver Post, 16 November 1994, 11B.

332. Mike Rosen, "Romer survives Black Tuesday," Denver Post, 11 November 1994, 11B.

333. Bill Hornby, "Voters give representative government another chance," Denver Post, 27 November 1994, 5E.

334. Tom Gavin. "Another narrow escape," Denver Post, 11 November 1994, 11B.

335. Chuck Green, "The dismal self-destruction of Bruce Benson's campaign," Denver Post, 9 November 1994, 15B. For a further critique of the Benson campaign, see Hal Shroyer, "How did Bruce Benson foul up? Let me count the ways...," letter to the Colorado Statesman, 18 November 1994, 3.

336. Gil Spencer, "Aftermath: The sleaze lingers on," Denver Post, 13 November 1994, 1F.

337. Gene Amole, "Ever a maverick, state bucks trend," Rocky Mountain News, 10 November 1994, 5A.

338. Peter Blake, "Benson joins long list of GOP losers," Rocky Mountain News, 9 November 1994, 5A.

339. "Sex, booze and anti-incumbency," Economist, 29 October 1994, 28.

340. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

341. Fred Brown, "Colorado bucks angry U.S. trend," Denver Post, 9 November 1994, 1A.

342. Chuck Green, "The dismal self-destruction of Bruce Benson's campaign," Denver Post, 9 November 1994, 15B.

343. Mike Rosen, "Romer survives Black Tuesday," Denver Post, 11 November 1994, 11B.

344. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katy Atkinson, 19 December 1994.

345. See Larry J. Sabato, Feeding Frenzy (New York, NY: The Free Press, 1991). Sabato describes the increasing tendency of the news media to attack the personal character of political candidates as "junkyard dog" journalism.

346. Author's notes, telephone interview with Robert Kowalski, news reporter for the Denver Post, December 1994.

347. Author's notes, telephone interview with Fred Brown, political editor and columnist, Denver Post, December 1994. Fred Brown's viewpoint was strongly supported by Dennis Ritchie, the Bird campaign press assistant, who believed a Mike Bird press release on Bruce Benson's push-polling would have merited little media attention and would have been described as "yet another attack on front-runner Bruce Benson...." Ritchie argued that "Fred Brown had wonderful credibility with the Colorado press corps," and that objective credibility was essential to making the story important. Dennis Ritchie, written comments to the author, 21 March 1995.

348. Author's notes, telephone interview with Katie Kerwin, news reporter, Rocky Mountain News, December 1994.

349. Author's notes, telephone interview with Dave Lougee, 27 January 1995.

350. Howard Kurtz, Media Circus: The Trouble with America's Newspapers (New York, NY: Times Books, 1993), 245.

351. Peter Blake, "'Reality check' won't pay off Romer's debt," Rocky Mountain News, 21 November 1994, 5A.

352. Jennifer Gavin, "Benson ads follow national GOP strategy," Denver Post, 1 October 1994, 1A.

353. John Sanko, "An election year straight out of Ripley's," Rocky Mountain News, 6 November 1994, 31A.