An entrepreneur who also sat on his state's Education Board, Polis based much of his campaign on Iraq and environmental sustainability.

"This election cycle, a lot of barriers are being broken," Polis said. "At the congressional level, we are showing that people are willing to elect a candidate based on their values and ideas and not their sexual orientation."

Former state Sen. Joan Fitz-Gerald, a favorite of Colorado's Democratic Party machine, conceded before all the votes were counted.

Polis is a favorite to succeed U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, because the seat is considered safe for Democrats.

Last update: 01-29-2009 19:18