Sad I grew up there, joined the Army and when I retired didn't even consider going back because of the politics, Western slope would be possible. The down hill slide came after the big oil crash in the 80's, what many forget is a good bit of the CO economy was oil based at the time. So to diversify the state economy they brought in a good bit of high tech and production facilities. With that came a influx of CA and New England transplants. They brought their politics and stayed a couple generations later and you have a majority of liberal. The entrainment crowd also had their influence with buying up all the properties in and around the ski areas. Could continue on but you get the point! I hope you are able to sound defeat it.