District 3 is the largest district, covering roughly one-third of the state, including most of the Western Slope and extends east to Pueblo and the Eastern Plains counties of Las Animas and Otero. Mineral and water rights are a critical and important topic in this region, as even the mere suggestion a candidate would support water diversion to the Front Range torpedoes your campaign. Voters have long memories on where politicians stand. Three national parks are inside this district, Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Representative John Salazar, brother to Sen. Ken Salazar, won this district in 2004 against a opponent who supported a water bill opposed by the Western Slope. Rep. Salazar has been a moderate Democrat, and in 2006 easily won election even though the district has a Republican lean.