Several Western states are launching aggressive efforts to poach jobs, talent and industry from California, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the Golden State's current political and financial woes.

Colorado is the first out of the box with a Valentine-themed banner that will trail behind an airplane circling rush-hour traffic in Los Angeles on Friday morning, urging Californians to give Colorado a try. Ads in newspapers from San Diego to San Jose will feature a Cupid in ski boots over a bold-faced tease: "California, can you feel Colorado's love?"

Hundreds of California CEOs will receive flowery Valentine's Day cards proclaiming, "Mile High State Seeks Sea-Level Executive." The campaign even includes a YouTube video of Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., kissing the envelopes before depositing them lovingly into a mailbox. More here.