ARVADA, Colo. — The presidential race is important. The U.S. Senate race is important. But because Washington is so gridlocked, there is a good chance not much will be done regardless of who wins.

TABOR reforms
Woods: Against changing TABOR (Good)
Zenzinger: Supports some changes, like hospital provider fee (Bad)

A different occurrence might unfold in Colorado if Democrats have their way in Senate District 19, a district made up mostly of Arvada.

Currently, Republicans hold a one-seat majority in the Colorado State Senate. Those Republicans often find themselves stopping legislation that the Democratic House and the Democratic governor want to pass.

On the front lines in the Republican fight to defend the Senate is Republican  incumbent Laura Woods.

“Industry and business want the Senate to remain in Republican hands,” Woods said as she knocked on doors Wednesday.

Challenging Woods is the same person Woods defeated by just more than 600 votes two years ago, Democrat Rachel Zenzinger.

“It is true the seat will more or less control the Senate majority,” Zenzinger  said as she put up yard signs.

District 19 is roughly split between Democrats, Republicans and independents. Zenzinger held the seat before Woods defeated her.

In 2012, the Senate race at that time involving different candidates was also decided by fewer than 1,000 votes.

In terms of spending, Zenzinger is winning the fundraising battle, but Woods said she doesn’t need much more cash.

“I have raised everything I need for my campaign plan,” Woods said.

In terms of the issues:

Abortion
Woods: Pro-life
Zenzinger: Pro-choice

Gun control
Woods: Against
Zenzinger: Supports common sense measures

Minimum wage increase
Woods: Against
Zenzinger: Supports

TABOR reforms
Woods: Against changing TABOR (Good)
Zenzinger: Supports some changes, like hospital provider fee (Bad)

State Senate race in Arvada could be tipping point for Colorado Legislature