The Washington Post today outlines why the Colorado Senate race between freshman Republican senator Wayne Allard and Democratic challenger Tom Strickland has become a race of national importance.

At first, Allard's lead was such that it was assumed he'd have a "narrow win." Then, "Democrats escalated their attacks on Allard's ties to corporate and accounting interests. Those salvos, coupled with sharp criticism of his record on environmental issues and his stands on Social Security and abortion, have turned this into one of the nation's closest Senate races. Should Strickland manage to oust Allard, Democrats would have a tiny bit of breathing room, enabling them to retain their Senate majority even if one Democratic incumbent should lose elsewhere."

Allard is also suffering more fallout than Strickland from the nasty tone of the campaign. Plus, the Democrats are getting the word out about "Allard's 1999 decision to back Qwest's efforts to merge with US West -- a plan that eventually soured and led to more than 5,000 layoffs in Colorado. "

Add to that the Democrats' message that "in July 2000 Allard joined eight other Republican and Democratic senators in persuading the Securities and Exchange Commission to postpone tough corporate accounting reforms that might have prevented a subsequent rash of major corporate scandals." And Allard's weak response-- "He was merely trying to give Colorado accountants more time to comment."

Strickland had a good line this week during a debate with Allard. He said, "Sen. Allard is the most reliable vote in the Senate for the interests that fund his campaign."

With Allards lead evaporating and the two now in a dead heat (according to Zogby's) and to a three point lead over Strickland according to the Denver Post (4 point margin of error), both sides are funding the race. Bush and Cheney have been filling Allard's coffers. Bill Bradley has come out to fundraise for Strickland. The Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, the abortion rights group NARAL, the AFL-CIO and a children's advocacy group are all supporting and contributing to Strickland. Allard reportedly has more money, and unless Strickland stays close, Allard may gain an edge from the final blitz of tv ads.

The reasons we like Strickland, as a person and to be our Senator, are here.

Today we got a fax from the campaign inviting us to a newly scheduled benefit--singer Don Henley, formerly of the Eagles and one of Talkleft's top 3 all time favorites, is coming to Denver Oct. 27 to perform in a Strickland supporter's home-for only 150 people.

The requested contribution is too steep for us ($1,000 to $5,000 per person), but for those of you who haven't made a donation to Strickland yet, if you go here and contribute and then send an e-mail to Melanie the campaign's deputy finance director, and tell her we prompted you to donate, maybe she will let us match your donations and go see Don Henley. Even small amounts are fine.