Linda Newell

The retirement of Sen. Steve Ward, upon his campaign for Congress, left an open seat in the historically Republican district.^[8] Newell began her campaign in July 2008,^[9] and had no opposition in the August Democratic primary.^[10] Newell focused on grassroots campaigning, with supporters knocking on over 30,000 doors and making over 10,000 phone calls to prospective voters,^[11] focusing on the city of Centennial.^[12] During her campaign, Newell focused on economic and education issues^[9][13] and called for increased resources for victims of domestic violence.^[14]

She faced Republican Rep. Lauri Clapp in the November 2008 general election. Clapp, who had been term-limited out of the state house in 2006, was criticized by Newell for missing multiple candidate forums;^[15] in mid-October, Newell called for her opponent to make a public appearance.^[16][17] Clapp's candidacy was endorsed by the Denver Post,^[18] but as of mid-October, Newell had also out-raised her opponent, taking in $33,000 to Clapp's $30,000.^[19]

Newell's race was the closest of Colorado's legislative races. Two days after the election, Newell led Clapp by 69 votes out of 59,000 cast.^[8]

With the race undecided as provisional ballots were counted,^[20] Newell attended member orientation at the state capitol, and both candidates caucused with their respective parties before the race was settled.^[21] A final count, completed two weeks after the election, gave Newell a margin of 195 votes,^[22] a margin of victory large enough to avoid an automatic recount.^[23] Newell's victory increased the Democrats' Senate majority by one seat over the previous legislative session.^[21] Looking towards representing a "swing" district, Newell began her Senate term by scheduling town hall meetings and a "listening tour" within her district.^[24]

For the 2009 session of the Colorado General Assembly, Newell was named to seats on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Local Government and Energy Committee.^[25] She was also appointed to the Colorado Workforce Development Council.^{[citation needed]}

During the 2009 session, Newell sponsored legislation recommended by the Child Welfare Action Group to require that social services case workers be trained in child welfare.^[26]

• Campaign website