In Colorado, President Bush leads John Kerry by just five percentage points, 49% to 44%. Four years ago, Bush won Colorado by nine points over Al Gore, 51% to 42%.

The survey was completed the night following President Bush's nationally televised Press Conference on Iraq. Other survey data shows that political newcomer Pete Coors is competitive in the race to replace retiring Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

While the poll suggests Colorado might be more competitive this time around, the underlying data is generally encouraging for the President. Fifty-five percent (55%) of Colorado voters have a favorable opinion of Bush compared to just 49% for Kerry.

Additionally, 54% of Colorado voters approve of the way that Bush is performing his role as President. This is a bit higher than the President's national Job Approval ratings.

Forty-two percent (42%) of Colorado voters say the country is headed in right direction while 54% say things have gotten off on the wrong track.

When it comes to managing the economy, 47% of Colorado voters prefer Bush and 44% Kerry. That's close to the national average at this time. On a national basis, Rasmussen Reports updates this information on a weekly basis.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Colorado voters see the President as politically conservative. Twenty-nine percent (29%) say moderate.

Forty-five percent (45%) say Kerry is politically liberal while 40% say moderate.

Many of the early Election 2004 state polls suggest that Election 2004 is starting where Election 2000 left off.

On a national basis this time around, the Rasmussen Reports Presidential Election Tracking Poll has found Bush and Kerry virtually even for weeks.