Now that Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper definitely won't be seeking the Democratic nomination, momentum in Colorado's gubernatorial race has shifted to a fellow Democrat, district attorney Bill Ritter.

In a match-up of Ritter and Republican Congressman Bob Beauprez, Ritter leads 40% to 33%. Against University of Denver President Marc Holtzman, Ritter leads 41% to 28%, with 23% not sure (see crosstabs).

Last month, with Hickenlooper still playing Hamlet, Ritter collected just 35% against Holtzman and 38% against Beauprez. Although Ritter enjoys a bigger lead over Holtzman, against Beauprez he attracts more support from unaffiliated voters (41%) and moderates (47%).

The second major Democratic contender, State Representative Gary Lindstrom, is now neck and neck with Beauprez, trailing him by just a point, 37% to 36%. Lindstrom edges out Holtzman 35% to 33%.

Ritter is viewed favorably by 39%, with 18% viewing him unfavorably and 43% unsure what to think of him. Sixty-one percent (61%) are "not sure" what they think of Lindstrom, 54% are unsure of Holtzman, 43% are unsure of Ritter.

With no candidate yet earning more than 41 percent support, a fifth or more of voters uncertain of their pick in each match-up, and more or less half "not sure" what to think of any particular nominee--there's plenty of room for ups and downs in this race in the months ahead.

Our poll shows that Colorado voters are more likely to trust Congressional Democrats than President Bush on both the economy and Iraq.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members