For the first time since leaving office, former Gov. Bill Owens has come out to actively support a candidate.

More on that in a moment on the Face The State Radio Minute.

Former Gov. Bill Owens thinks Republican Presidential nominee Sen. John McCain can win Colorado, and that he plans to take an active role in this year's presidential race.

Owens cited McCain's tax policy and national defense strategy as evidence of his appeal to the state's voters.

Over the last few decades, Colorado has been a battleground state in presidential races: In 1992, going blue for Bill Clinton after convincing voters that he was a fiscal moderate, but favoring George W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism" in 2000 and 2004.

And what does Owens have to say about his tenure as Governor?

"I loved the 8 years I spent as Governor," he said, adding, "I especially love not being Governor."

For FaceTheState.com, I’m Brad Jones.