Because so many people admire the BCS college football Bowl System (cough, hack, yawn), we here at the Inside Edge came up with a similar methodology to measure the power and prestige of Colorado politicians.

Like the BCS Bowl System, it consists primarily of a computer-based simulation engine. The engine has sophisticated algorithms that predict the behavior of party activists, lobbyists and politicians under various scenarios.

It also has spell check.

In short, it's like a mini-caucus on our computer. Except in OUR simulations, Congressman Doug Lamborn walks into highway traffic at the end of each caucus. We're still trying to figure out if the tragedy is caused by a glitch or if it's just validation of our methodology. It's really sad watching that little cartoon Doug Lamborn character gasp and writhe in pain. I mean the character in our simulation, NOT the one in real life. Shame on you.

Also, like the BCS Bowl System, the results from our simulation must meet strict criteria in order to be considered valid. Firstly, the results must make angry the widest numbers of people who feel slighted because their favorite politicker was left off, or not ranked high enough or they can't believe that old what's-her-name was included, etc.

Oh the fun of computers!

The second criterion is that the politicians on the list must reside in Colorado.

The Top Ten Power Positions in Colorado

Updated June 5th, 2008

• 1) Governor Bill Ritter- He takes the spot almost by default, recent setbacks notwithstanding.
• 2) Dick Wadhams- Does a good job keeping Schaffer alive and running the GOP too.
• 3) Ken Salazar- Salazar does nothing, kind of like Wayne Allard, and benefits by doing so...or not doing so, as the case may be.
• 4) Andrew Romanoff- Proposed compromise on TABOR will keep Andy in the news through November.
• 5) Joan Fitz-Gerald- The favorite in the 2nd CD, because the other two are terrible.
• 6) Bob Schaffer- Schaffer is still the darling of the right in Colorado
• 7) Mike Coffman- Numbers and previous experience say race is Coffman's to lose.
• 8) Bernie Buescher- Bernie's making a play for a top spot in Dem leadership.
• 9) John Salazar- John moves up a spot mostly because of his family name and a weak field in Colorado.
• 10) Diana DeGette- She's quiet. Too quiet. And she's in the safest seat for a Colorado Dem.