If the GOP candidate finishes with less than 10%, by law the GOP gets "minor party status" and is limited in future ballot position and funds.
Yes, Maes(R) is in the 9% range, and the GOP is about to be thrown onto the ash heap of history in Colorado. Excellent!
It could all be part of a grand Palin strategy, to kill off the evil Republicans and run as a Constitution Party (or Tea Party) candidate in 2012. Sweet!