Colorado’s U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar says the reason the Dems took the state in last week’s election is because they followed the centrist playbook. In preparation for 2008, they intend to keep it that way.

“I think that at least in the Senate, knowing (Senate Democratic leader) Harry Reid the way I do, we’re going to have an agenda that speaks to the Main Street of America,” Salazar said.

That formula will continue to be followed in Colorado, too, the senator predicted. He said Ritter effectively used the same playbook he and his brother, John, did in 2004. Like the Salazars, Ritter emphasized his rural, agricultural roots and his Roman Catholic faith. Some Democrats initially balked at supporting Ritter because he opposes abortion.

“He also spent a lot of time in areas that don’t usually vote for Democrats. That’s essentially what we did,” Salazar said. “I expect as governor he will govern from the middle.”