beauprez-bob1Good news, former Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton—and the rest of you Republicans hoping to square off against Democrat Michael Bennet in the 2010 race for U.S. Senate: “After significant reflection,” former Congressman Bob Beauprez, who failed three years ago in his bid for governor, has decided not to run.

In an e-mail sent to supporters yesterday, Beauprez wrote: “I founded a monthly e-magazine, A Line of Sight, that has been a resource of conservative opinion on current public policy and key issues. I’ve stayed involved, keeping my eyes open for other ways to make a difference” (via The Denver Post).

Moreover, the Beauprez family has started a buffalo ranch in the mountains, and Bob enjoys working there alongside his son, Jim, who manages the ranch. Beauprez says the life reminds him of when he “worked side-by-side with my own father in the dairy business. And most personally, [my wife] Claudia and I love being grandparents as well as spending more time than we’ve ever had with our grown children.”

ColoradoPols doesn’t buy Beauprez’s story: “Let’s face it: Beauprez isn’t running because he looked around, considered various staffers, and finally realized what we’d been saying for a long time. He. Can’t. Win.” As Westword points out, Beauprez likely missed out on his best chances of returning to politics when he decided to run for governor instead of against Mark Udall for Senate in 2008.

On the other hand, it seems Beauprez really is loving his life.

“What really was the deciding factor for us was knowing we would have to forsake, set aside, all of our family interests, everything we’ve got going on” to mount a campaign, Beauprez told listeners of the KHOW 630 AM radio show yesterday (via The Colorado Independent). “At least this cycle, it won’t be me.”