The city is dominated by evangelical Christians and US military. Both are traditionally republican but the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a faltering economy have led many in Colorado Springs to consider a political sacrilege - voting for the Democrats. Pastor Steve Holt says this is partly due to Obama's personal faith: 'I think that Barack Obama is a very good communicator. He's had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.' Disillusionment with past Republican administrations also play a part: 'We have not seen results from them.' McCain's reluctance to talk about his own faith may also cost him votes among evangelical circles. 'I'm not familiar with where he is spiritually' Holt says. Another pillar of Republican support is the military and their families. But for them, the strain of the war is becoming unbearable. Major Jacobson admits that 'they're all tired of deploying over and over again'. The unpopular Stop Loss policy, which allows the army to extend the agreed enlistment period, also accounts for a shift in favour of Obama. For Republican soldiers, he is simply 'the lesser of two evils'.