In an August 19 editorial, the Craig Daily Press asserted, “Recent polling data reveals that gubernatorial candidates Bill Ritter, D-Denver, and Bob Beauprez, R-Arvada, are running neck and neck for the statehouse.” In fact, the only two publicly reported polls conducted in August on the race have shown Ritter with nine- and 10-point leads, respectively.

The most recent poll on the gubernatorial race, conducted by SurveyUSA/9News from August 14 to August 16, found that 50 percent of respondents supported Ritter, while 40 percent said they would vote for Beauprez. The poll interviewed 605 likely Colorado voters and had a margin of error of 4.1 percent.

Similarly, an August 9 Rasmussen Reports poll of 500 likely voters showed Ritter ahead by 9 points, 48 percent to 39 percent, just at the edge of the poll's margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.

The Daily Press' editorial apparently was based on a now-outdated August 10 article by Craig Daily Press assistant editor Joshua Roberts. Roberts' article cited a July 11-19 Zogby poll conducted for The Wall Street Journal showing Ritter ahead by nearly 2 points, which was within the margin of error of 4.2 percentage points. At the time, Roberts reported that the July poll “indicates the candidates are running neck and neck.”

From the Craig Daily Press editorial, “Democracy by the many”:

However, there is plenty more for voters to decide on a ballot that could be significant in shaping Colorado's future political and social landscape.

Let's start at the top. Recent polling data reveals that gubernatorial candidates Bill Ritter, D-Denver, and Bob Beauprez, R-Arvada, are running neck and neck for the statehouse. When it comes to state politics, it doesn't get much bigger for voters than choosing a new governor.