DENVER (AP) -- Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet's 2010 campaign could provide a road map for how President Barack Obama can win in the West next year.

The Denver school superintendent was appointed to the Senate in 2009. The Democrat won a full term the next year by turning the race into a choice between the two nominees, rather than a referendum on his brief time in the Senate.

Bennet portrayed his GOP opponent as out of step with voters and relied on strong fundraising to mobilize Hispanics, young voters and women.

Obama travels to Denver on Tuesday as part of a three-day West coast trip. The president won Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada in 2008, and all three states are considered crucial to his re-election campaign.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)