The Gang of Four

Polis says he was motivated to join the effort to win the legislature for the Democrats by his concern over the state's fiscal crisis. "This was a critical election for the future of Colorado and fortunately there is now a voter mandate for turning our state around," he says. "I am a strong believer in a public higher education system and that is at risk in Colorado."

Like the other Democratic millionaires, Polis was also put off by the right-wing social issues that dominated the Legislature last year. But he says there's really no secret to the Democrats' recent success at the state level.

"It shows what we can accomplish when we come together as a party, have a unified strategy, and keep our eye on the goal. It's nothing that a good football coach couldn't have taught us."