Colorado Republicans Gunning for Governor Bill Ritter's Seat in 2010
Governor Bill Ritter, last year's poster child of the Democratic resurgence in the West, is now seen as "worth watching" in the 2010 election.
The following eight men represent potential Republican challengers for Ritter in a couple years:
State Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry of Fruita
Why he'd run: Penry has long been talked about as candidate for governor in 2014, but if Ritter looks weak, he might move up his timetable by four years.
Why he wouldn't: It'd be difficult at best to run for governor while minority leader, so Penry may have to decide whether it's worth risking his leadership position to run. He may also hesitate if Scott McInnis, his former boss and a political mentor, enters the race.
Former U.S. Representative Scott McInnis of Grand Junction
Why he'd run: McInnis told the Denver Post last week he's interested in facing Ritter. Many GOP centrists have urged him to run for office.
Why he wouldn't: McInnis isn't exactly a darling of the state Republican party leadership (exhibit A: his aborted U.S. Senate campaign). Out of political office for four years, McInnis has appeared interested in jumping back into politics--but he has to decide if running for governor is the best way to return.
Former U.S. Representative Tom Tancredo of Littleton
Why he'd run: Tancredo's dropped strong hints that he would run for governor after last year's general elections.
Why he wouldn't: Many Republicans are frightened that Tancredo, a leader in the anti-immigration movement, would poison their party's relations with Latino voters for years to come.
2006 GOP gubernatorial nominee Bob Beauprez of Lafayette
Why he'd run: Beauprez said earlier this month that he's considering a run for either governor or U.S. Senate.
Why he wouldn't: He already lost to Ritter once. It remains to be seen if he can convince Republicans to give him a second shot.
2006 GOP gubernatorial candidate Marc Holtzman of Carbondale (not pictured)
Why he'd run: Having lost one chance at facing Ritter in 2006, Holtzman might see better odds for himself in 2010.
Why he wouldn't: As a vice-chairman of London-based Barclays Capital, Holtzman spends a large part of his time out of Colorado. That's not helpful for someone trying to build a campaign. He and his wife also had a baby recently.
Former state Senator Tom Wiens of Castle Rock
Why he'd run: Wiens had been showing interest in a 2010 gubernatorial run even before he left the state Senate, and he's already looking to assemble a campaign staff. Holding millions in hotel, banking, and real estate, Wiens would likely be the richest candidate in the race.
Why he wouldn't: Rumors have circulated that Wiens is having financial problems. While those rumors haven't been confirmed, Wiens might decide to tend to his business interests instead of running.
Businessman Cleve Tidwell of Denver (not pictured)
Why he'd run: This political unknown has started to make appearances at Denver GOP events, saying he's considering a gubernatorial run.
Why he wouldn't: He might opt instead to run for Diana DeGette's First Congressional District seat in 2010.
Former U.S. Senator Hank Brown of Denver
Why he'd run: Brown's making the rounds at GOP events, giving speeches and being visible. His political centrism and focus on economic issues might play well next year.
Why he wouldn't: If social issues once again become a major issue in the GOP primary, that wouldn't play to Brown's strengths.
Comments
Submitted by Lawrence Sutton (not verified) on Sun, 2009-03-15 12:29.
Looks like the GOP has to many guys that have run and lost. However, I do believe Mr. Tidwell might be the guy to watch. I also heard him recently at a key note he did for a private industry meeting that I attended and I would think he wold not waste his time with Governor. He is to strong for such a weak positon in Colorado. In fact would like to see him running for Senate, he could help us much better and he has the clout, business experience and he does bring the room alive when he is there. He would actually give us someone in the senate that would male Colorado proud. Could be a shoe in for Senate against that guy Bennett.
As for Beaprez, he got slaughterd and he needs to go to pasture along with Tancredo,
Not knowing the Penrry kid, he probaby should spend some time in business after he get our of the legisture and then come back and run for Governor. I do know some people that know him and have spoken well of him, but we need alot of business expereince in our governors. That is one of the problems, get the lawyers out. He will be good in years to come, just to early.
Hotlzman, he is a Russian oil guy and lives in London, where did he come from. Just has a place in Colorado but never lived here. Don't think we need any games at this time in our economy. Out for sure...
So, pickings are slim but we could produce one good high level senator out of this if we are lucky to see him run.
So the fight continues to gain back the GOP, hope we win one.
L Sutton
Colorado Springs, CO
Submitted by John R (not verified) on Mon, 2009-03-30 18:57.
I heard Cleve Tidwell decided to go for Senate? I think that's a great fit for him and he may be the most qualified candidate for that office!
Submitted by Jason N (not verified) on Mon, 2009-04-13 00:26.
I've met Cleve a couple of times.
He strikes me as someone that would be natural at legislating. I will be watching for him.
Submitted by Katie Royton (not verified) on Tue, 2009-02-24 17:27.
I have heard most of the guys and nothing new for sure. However two weeks ago I did hear Mr Tidwell who is the new face in Colorado Politics.
I wish you had his pitcure as I heard him speak at a Hispanic meeting recently and he is deliteful, strong and passionate about getting Colorado moving fast.In fact I believe he will become the best choice we have had in Colorado for decades. He is obvioulsy a person that can take charge but he seems to be a kind gentleman and stayed aroud to speak with everyone for over one hour after the meeting. He is well liked by the Latino community and is obvioulsy well traveled and understands cross cultural relations, which we have never had in Colorado Politics. I do hope he continues for the Governor race, he would make us proud and Colorado deserves someone like him.
Submitted by Ernest Luning (not verified) on Tue, 2009-02-17 17:58.
It'd be more than difficult at best for Penry to run as minority leader -- he'd have to step down from the state Senate in order to raise money next year, same as former Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald did when she ran in the 2nd District primary.
Submitted by Bill Menezes (not verified) on Tue, 2009-02-17 12:53.
Jeremy, here's one more important aspect for the "Why he wouldn't" entry regarding former congressman Beauprez: The fact that he has become a regular media figure with an apparent inability to distinguish fact from fiction.
Here are a few examples that I'm guessing would generate some headaches for Mr. Beauprez along the lines of his false claim in 2006 that 70% of African-American pregnancies end in abortion:
http://colorado.mediamatters.org/issues_topics/people/bobbeauprez
Bill Menezes, Colorado Media Matters
