Colorado is holding primaries to select the top two contenders to succeed Gov. John Hickenlooper, a centrist Democrat who is term-limited.
In an effort to win, the leading Republican and Democratic candidates are eschewing the middle ground in this purple state to appeal to their respective bases.
That may be a risk: This year, unaffiliated voters can participate in the major party primaries.
Republican Walker Stapleton has wedded himself to President Donald Trump, and Democratic U.S. Rep Jared Polis is tacking left on universal health care and marijuana.
In all, four Republicans and four Democrats are running for governor.
Colorado's last Republican governor was Bill Owens, who served from 1999-2007.
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