Steamboat Pilot & Today

Dale Morris and Lynne Garell celebrate while watching the election coverage at a Routt County Democratic Party event at Sweetwater Grill on Tuesday evening. Photo by John F. Russell

Diane Mitsch Bush gets a hug from her campaign manager Nick List on Tuesday evening while waiting for election results at Sweetwater Grill. Photo by John F. Russell

On the Yampa River Core Trail: Charlie and Gail Holthausen on their unique tandem built by Charlie himself. Submitted by: Suzi Mitchell

Rebecca Musso signs the National Christmas Tree Banner as it passed through Steamboat Springs on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2012, at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena. Submitted by: Rebecca Musso

The National Christmas Tree is transported cross-country using very few tax dollars thanks to the many generous sponsors who are proudly displayed on the banner with the signatures of those who have come to welcome the tree to their towns and wish it well on its journey. This year's tree is from Meeker, Colorado and passed through Steamboat Springs on Nov. 6, Election Day, and will visit various other Colorado communities on its cross-country journey to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., where the speaker of the House will "flip the switch" and light the tree on Dec. 4. The tree will be decorated with thousands of ornaments made primarily by children in Colorado. This is only the third tree to be chosen from Colorado and the first one since 2000. Submitted by: Rebecca Musso

National Christmas tree viewing. Submitted by: Casey Barnett

A U.S. Forest Service representative presents a Steamboat Springs City Council member with a gift collection from various Colorado communities as Sen. Ben Night Horse Campbell looks on during the national Christmas tree viewing at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena. Submitted by: Rebecca Musso

It is believed a muffler fell off a vehicle and started a wildfire Tuesday along Colo. Highway 131. Yampa Fire Protection District/ courtesy

Republican candidates Chuck McConnell and Randy Baumgardner campaign Tuesday afternoon in front of a row of signs supporting both parties just outside the parking lot for the downtown post office. Photo by John F. Russell

Residents take turns signing the cover on a trailer containing U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree on Tuesday at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena in Steamboat Springs. The tree was harvested Friday outside Meeker in the White River National Forest on Friday. It stopped in Steamboat during its 23-day, 3,000-mile trip and will stop in about 30 cities and towns. The tree’s tour events and transportation costs are paid for through donations. Photo by Matt Stensland

Routt County residents cast their vote Tuesday at the Routt County Courthouse in downtown Steamboat Springs. Photo by John F. Russell

Voters arrive at Centennial Hall on Tuesday evening to cast their votes in the 2012 election. Photo by John F. Russell

Traffic speeds past a pro-Obama sign in front of the downtown post office Tuesday evening as people head home from work on election night. Photo by John F. Russell

Final shots of the season, Yampa River Botanic Park. Submitted by: Jeff Hall

Jackson Lewer and Rebecca Musso share a holiday snuggle at the national Christmas tree viewing at the Brent Romick Rodeo Arena. Submitted by: Rebecca Musso