Colorado voters have a true choice this year. Democrat Jared Polis and Walker Stapleton have staked out distinctly different positions on most issues, although here and there they do agree on common principles.

Here’s a breakdown of where Polis and Stapleton stand on key issues, based on Colorado Politics reporting, their campaign issues webpages and their public statements. In many cases, the candidates have not detailed how they would pay for their proposals.

For more background on key issues in the election, go online to coloradopolitics.com/issues2018/.

HEALTH CARE & INSURANCE

POLIS

“Keeping up the fight for universal coverage will take tremendous advocacy and effort from our next governor … I will build upon Governor Hickenlooper’s work in advocating for comprehensive health care solutions at the regional and federal level and will fight for Medicare for All as the best solution to our rising health care costs.” – Polis position paper

STAPLETON

“A government-run, single-payer health care program will result in higher taxes and less choices. It will bankrupt Colorado and drive families and businesses out of our state. As governor, I will focus on improving quality and reducing the costs of health care in Colorado by working with a variety of groups and individuals to drive innovation, increase transparency, and improve the delivery of care to make health care more accessible.” – Campaign issues webpage

ENERGY

POLIS

“The way we plan to get our state to 100-percent renewable by 2040 … is a bottom-up approach using market mechanisms, like encouraging distributed wind and solar projects, removing regulatory barriers to siting wind projects on state lands and lots of other things I could go into in detail.” – Colorado Politics interview, March 6

STAPLETON

“Our state has become a pioneer in balancing responsible economic development with environmental stewardship, and I look to continue this trend in the Governor’s office. –Campaign website

TRANSPORTATION

POLIS

“No matter where in Colorado you live, you deserve a reliable, affordable, accessible transportation system that works for you and your family, now and in the future.” – Campaign website

STAPLETON

“Building and maintaining roads is one of the main functions of the state. Despite the lip service paid over the years, it’s time to truly treat transportation as a priority. This starts with strong leadership from the governor’s office.” – Colorado Politics op-ed, June 7

EDUCATION

POLIS

“High-quality, full-day kindergarten and preschool promotes school readiness, closes achievement gaps, and supports the healthy development of all children.” – Campaign website

STAPLETON

“In order to transform our system to one that prioritizes education, we must allow the money to follow the students, not the other way around.” – Campaign website

JOBS & THE ECONOMY

POLIS

“Coloradans deserve an economy that works for everyone, not just special interests and top executives.” – Campaign website

STAPLETON

” Despite … seemingly optimistic [job] figures, many people across Colorado still struggle with underemployment, looking for more hours and income to try to make ends meet.” – Campaign website

GUNS

POLIS

“The fight for gun safety isn’t about politics. It’s about the lives of our kids and their friends. I’m the parent of a six-year-old and a three-year-old, and I won’t let the NRA – or the politicians they’ve bought – stand in the way of our children’s safety.” – Campaign website

STAPLETON

“The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right, enshrined in the Second Amendment of our Constitution. It is deeply embedded in the American ideals of self-reliance and independence.” – Campaign website

IMMIGRATION & ‘SANCTUARY CITIES’

POLIS

“We cannot simply write President Trump’s vile immigration policies into law.” – Statement from his congressional office, June 27

STAPLETON

“Sanctuary cities put us all at risk. Denver’s policy of barring police from helping federal law enforcement deport criminals just doesn’t make sense.” – Campaign ad

TAXING & SPENDING

POLIS

“The Republican tax scheme grows the national debt by over $1.5 trillion, providing handouts to corporations and special interests while hitting middle class families with tax hikes. … We can’t afford to bankrupt the nation, and Coloradans cannot afford another recession.” – Statement from his congressional office, Dec. 19

STAPLETON

“As treasurer, I know Colorado families and small businesses will benefit from a tax plan that is simpler and our economy will thrive with a lower corporate rate. It will bring jobs and investment back to America and make us more competitive in a global economy.” – Colorado Politics interview, Dec. 14

WATER

POLIS

“We need to think big, do even better by leveraging new technology and finding best practices to enhance conservation efforts.” – Colorado Water Congress speech, Aug. 23

STAPLETON

“I believe we can close the supply-demand gap and protect Colorado’s water resources in a financially and environmentally responsible way.” – Campaign website

– Compiled by Mark Harden, Joey Bunch and Ernest Luning