ColoradoPols, the state’s longest-running political blog, kicked off the 2018 edition of its venerable Big Line today. For those unfamiliar: The Big Line for years has tracked the major races in each election cycle, handicapping the declared candidates, the all-but-announced candidates, the rumored candidates. the candidates who swear by all that is decent they are NOT candidates-you get the idea.

The Big Line lays down odds in each race and regularly rejiggers those numbers as needed to reflect the ever-shifting sands of political fortune. After each election, the folks at Pols hit the reset button and launch the feature anew with an eye toward the next face-off.

We know of no attempts over the years to assess the Big Line’s accuracy, and given the Democratic Party alignment of the ColoradoPols blog itself, the Big Line no doubt raises suspicions among some across the aisle that the deck is stacked. Well, then, let them start their own Big Line, right?

But really, who cares about any of that? The Big Line is fun-not only because we all love rankings and races but also because we get to see politicians treated more or less like race horses.

So, what are the standings as of today’s debut of the latest Big Line? As a teaser, here are some highlights for the 2018 governor’s race:

(D) Ed Perlmutter (40%)

(D) Ken Salazar (40%)

(R) Walker Stapleton (30%)

(R) George Brauchler* (20%)

(D) Cary Kennedy (20%)

(D) Mike Johnston (10%)

If you want to know the rationale behind those odds or the standings in other races, you’ll have to go to Pols and check it out yourself. Here’s that link again.

And remember, it’s all in fun. So, please, no betting or wagering! (Sorry; couldn’t resist.)