Jefferson County, which voted for Obama in 2008, will play a key role in determining which way Colorado will go in 2012.

Both Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney are looking to clench the Centennial State’s nine electoral votes in their road to reach 270.

Population growth in the cities of Denver and Boulder helped propel President Barack Obama to win the traditionally Republican-leaning state in 2008 over Sen. John McCain. Nevertheless, the state has a large population of religious and individualist voters, as well as a Republican stronghold in Colorado Springs.

Colorado has seen $30 million in T.V. ad spending. They’ve enjoyed the company of Obama and Romney several times, with Obama visiting the state 13 times, -- the most of any sitting president. They also hosted a presidential debate in October.

Throughout the race, Obama and Romney have chased eachother in the polls. Most recently, a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling over the weekend showed Obama with a 6-point edge over Romney. A day later, a poll conducted by Real Clear Politics gave Obama a much narrower advantage by .6 of a percentage point. Meanwhile, early voting tallies more Republicans than Democrats – news which bodes well for Romney.

Still, Colorado alone won’t decide the election. Both candidates will also have to court an array of other uncertain swing states – most notable Ohio and Virginia – in addition to Colorado if they want to win.

County to watch: Jefferson County.

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