Paint this big square state purple. Again.

Joining the echoes heard across the country, Colorado voters on Tuesday began restoring some Republicans to power across Colorado. However, true to the independent streak that runs strong through this Western state, Democrats held their own.

Democratic Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, having benefitted from a fractured Republican Party, will be the state's 42nd governor.

The U.S. Senate race between Democrat Michael Bennet and Republican Ken Buck still was too close to call as of our deadline. The fact a Democrat could stay so close in an otherwise good year for Republicans speaks to Colorado's independence.

Voters also wisely turned down three tax-slashing measures, Amendments 60 and 61 and Proposition 101, which would have devastated a state budget that already has a $1 billion shortfall while shortchanging schools and roads.

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