Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter (D) has bolstered his advantage over Republican Representative Bob Beauprez, now leading him 48% to 39% (see crosstabs). Though often neck-and-neck earlier in the year, by May Ritter has enjoyed a modest lead in each of our recent polls. In both June and July, the Democrat held a five-point lead in our polling.

Ritter continues to be better liked than his opponent, with 58% viewing the Democrat favorably, and 48% viewing Beauprez favorably.

Fifty-seven percent (57%) approve of the job Bill Owens, a Republican, is doing as Governor.

Twenty-two percent (22%) say the most important electoral issue is the economy. Mentioned next-most-often is immigration (21%), not surprising given the recent political battle over immigration reform in the state. One feature of the newly passed legislation would require photo IDs and background checks of applicants for public benefits.

The war in Iraq (17%) and national security (14%) also top the list of many voters. (Note that the poll was conducted the day before the foiled terrorist plot to blow up planes headed for the U.S. from Britain was made public.)

Sixty-seven percent (67%) say election ballots should be printed only in English; 28% say they should be printed in both English and Spanish.

Forty-six percent (46%) offer thumbs up for the way President George W. Bush is doing his job, which is several points above his national job approval number. But, as we've often seen in other states, those who disapprove of the President (51%) here tend to do so intensely; 44% of all likely voters disapprove "strongly," only 9% disapprove "somewhat."

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.