DW: What are the most important election issues in Colorado for the November 4 midterm elections?

Seth Masket: At this moment, the most important issue is women's self-determination; abortion and contraception, to be precise. Past election campaigns here have already debated it. The Republican challenger, Cory Gardner, who at this point is still a member of the House of Representatives, wants to give unborn fetuses the same rights as living US citizens.

Many people see this as a very extreme position against the right to an abortion. Ever since he started running for the Senate seat, his attitude has been somewhat more restrained. Senator Mark Udall, the Democratic incumbent, has long defended the right to an abortion. He is trying to pin Gardner to his earlier statements and paint him as an extremist. But as far as I can see, voters trust that Gardner is less radical in his arguments than his Republican predecessor.

What other issues are playing a role in this election?

In the background, the economy is also playing a role. Udall has called attention to the positive developments here in Colorado and in the whole country, but Gardner's response is that unemployment is still too high and growth still too low.

To a certain extent, energy policy is playing a role, too. Udall is for shrinking the reliance on oil in order to protect the environment. Gardner has expressed a desire for more aggressive oil production.

Are these also important issues in midterm elections in other states?

To a point, yes. Abortion rights are being fought over in several states. In Colorado, where the race is so close, the Democrats are using the issue to mobilize women to their side. This has already proven to be an effective strategy for Democrats in past close elections.

How much of an impact could the election results in Colorado have on the political climate in the US?

At this time, no one knows who will control the Senate in the future. In the end, a majority of one seat could make the difference. It also depends on how voters in a handful of the closest voting districts decide. What happens in Colorado could have a big impact on President Obama's last two years in office; for example, with regard to tax or immigration policy, even on the future composition of the Supreme Court.

The Democrats in Colorado have been losing in the polls in recent weeks. Why?

This is not only happening in Colorado, but across the entire country. The Democrats are in a difficult situation. This is normal in a midterm election, in which the supporters of the president go to the polls less than his opponents. This is particularly applicable this time around in the face of not so great economic growth and stagnation in workers' incomes. In addition, the president seems to be quite unpopular.

Can we say there is a nationwide anti-Obama effect?

Yes, definitely.

The Wall Street Journal holds the Democrats responsible for how their strong position on the government's regulative powers has affected many people's livelihoods. What do you think?

Yes, you could see it that way. In Colorado, Democrats have a majority everywhere. They control the state congress and the governor's seat. They have strengthened weapons regulations and taken the reins of the energy industry. Democrats do that when they govern. And this has caused resistance that has particularly motivated the Republicans to really give this election their all.

Seth Masket is professor of political science at the University of Denver in Colorado.