Michelle Obama makes campaign stop in Durango

DURANGO, COLO. (KRQE) - While New Mexico is not getting much national campaign attention in the presidential election, Colorado is.

Michelle Obama was in Durango Wednesday, trying to tip the balance for her husband and for another democrat in a key congressional race.

Crowds are anxiously awaiting the First Lady at the campaign rally inside Whalen Gymnasium.

Supporters were already camping out when we got here Wednesday morning. A crowd of more than 3,000 people is expected. Even the Romney faithful made a small appearance.

There is no shortage of excitement from the Durango community.

”I think it's pretty crazy considering we go to such a small school and it's awesome to have this experience to be able to see the first lady,” Kelly Ryan said.

One student says this trip my sway her vote.

”I’m kind of up in the air still,” Aspen Greenfield said. “I think Michelle might be able to tip me, maybe today, guess we'll see.”

Others say it is a surprise that she is there.

”We do not typically see this,” Bill Westendorff said. “If we get a state senator or something down here that's big news, but when we found out Michelle Obama was coming that was really big news.”

The battle for Colorado’s nine electoral votes is very tight.

The latest Rasmussen poll has the president leading by one percent, while an American Research Group poll has Mitt Romney up four percent.

Also up for grabs is the congressional seat held by republican Scott Tipton.

He appears to be in a dead heat with democrat Sal Pace. It is unclear what effect the first lady's visit could have on that contest.

In New Mexico, a new Rasmussen poll released Wednesday has president Obama up by 11 percent over Mitt Romney.