Tom Lucero (CD-4 Candidate) opposed a $70 fee for undergrad students at CU. Lucero was the only one to vote against this which passed 8-1. The fee is starting to cause an uproar with the students who have to pay it.
Full story here
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
CD-7 Update
We've added CD-7 Republican Primary to the blogroll. The only candidate announced is Brian Campbell and by his website he obviously doesn't have any campaign experience.
Ed Tauer (5-1)
Has political and campaign experience. The GOP is thinking of placing him against Perlmutter. He'll stand a much better chance then other candidates and already has some ID in the 7th. He could possibly pose a threat to Perlmutter.
John Lerew (7-1)
John is a popular man for CD-7 Republicans. He wasn't know very well last year and I don't blame him. He virtually had no money to campaign with and almost did as well as Rick O'Donnell who spent tons of money in a nasty fight with Perlmutter. If the GOP has money to spare for CD-7 and Lerew goes for the nom again he possibly could be the only candidate to stand a chance of taking down Perlmutter. This is the GOP's best shot right now.
Troy Eid (12-1)
He can say he is a strong arm against corruption. Eid however would get slammed for running for Attorney General then Congress. He could possibly be seen as a guy who just wants to get elected and doesn't care where. He could fare well in the primary, but probably wouldn't win the general
Brian Campbell* (50-1)
It's very hard to get a 50-1 shot in a primary when you're the only announced candidate, but Campbell has toppled that hurtle. His website easily suggests he is an amateur who has never campaigned in his life before. Maybe if people could start seeing his face besides his cool shades he'd have a better chance. If anyone goes against Campbell, with the exception of Janich, he'll lose.
Ed Tauer (5-1)
Has political and campaign experience. The GOP is thinking of placing him against Perlmutter. He'll stand a much better chance then other candidates and already has some ID in the 7th. He could possibly pose a threat to Perlmutter.
John Lerew (7-1)
John is a popular man for CD-7 Republicans. He wasn't know very well last year and I don't blame him. He virtually had no money to campaign with and almost did as well as Rick O'Donnell who spent tons of money in a nasty fight with Perlmutter. If the GOP has money to spare for CD-7 and Lerew goes for the nom again he possibly could be the only candidate to stand a chance of taking down Perlmutter. This is the GOP's best shot right now.
Troy Eid (12-1)
He can say he is a strong arm against corruption. Eid however would get slammed for running for Attorney General then Congress. He could possibly be seen as a guy who just wants to get elected and doesn't care where. He could fare well in the primary, but probably wouldn't win the general
Brian Campbell* (50-1)
It's very hard to get a 50-1 shot in a primary when you're the only announced candidate, but Campbell has toppled that hurtle. His website easily suggests he is an amateur who has never campaigned in his life before. Maybe if people could start seeing his face besides his cool shades he'd have a better chance. If anyone goes against Campbell, with the exception of Janich, he'll lose.
Buck Spends $47,904 on Lawsuit
Weld District Attorney and Senate candidate Ken Buck, along with Weld Sheriff John Cooke have almost spent $100,000 in lawsuit against the immigration sweep. The cost continues to climb.
Full story here
Full story here
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sotomayor First Hispanic Nom for Supreme Court
President Obama has picked Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court to replace Justice Souter. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Nominee for the Supreme Court. If she does make it, she'll also be the third woman on the Court.
Controversy: Sotomayor has drawn controversy though with the conservative base. She is infamous with them after her ruling about the New Haven firefighters test. The Gaggle reports:
About: Sotomayor was born June 25, 1954 in New York City. Sotomayor grew up in a working family. Her mom and dad had moved from Puerto Rico looking for a better life. When her dad passed away, her mom took on two jobs to pay for Sotomayor and her education. She eventually when to Princeton and Yale Law school.
Experience: Nominated by President Clinton in 1997 as U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the 2nd Circuit, 1998-present; U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York, 1992-98; private practice, New York City, 1984-92; assistant district attorney, Manhattan, 1979-84.
Controversy: Sotomayor has drawn controversy though with the conservative base. She is infamous with them after her ruling about the New Haven firefighters test. The Gaggle reports:
The New Haven firefighter case is one of the most controversial rulings in
Sotomayor's record, and one that will no doubt be a prime source of
criticism
from conservatives. The case, Ricci vs. DeStefano, was brought by
Frank Ricci
and a group of his firefighting colleagues (all non-black
including one Hispanic
man). The men were denied promotion after an
examination to determine their
eligibility to move up yielded no successful
black candidates. As a result, the
New Haven authority decided to discard
the exam results and grant no promotions.
Ricci and his colleagues argued
they'd been discriminated against, but their
case was dismissed. Sotomayor
was part of a three judge panel on the 2nd Circuit
Court of Appeals who
upheld the dismissal. The case is currently pending before
the Supreme
Court. It raised considerable ire, sparking affirmative action
debates.
-Katie Connolly
About: Sotomayor was born June 25, 1954 in New York City. Sotomayor grew up in a working family. Her mom and dad had moved from Puerto Rico looking for a better life. When her dad passed away, her mom took on two jobs to pay for Sotomayor and her education. She eventually when to Princeton and Yale Law school.
Experience: Nominated by President Clinton in 1997 as U.S. Court of Appeals judge for the 2nd Circuit, 1998-present; U.S. District Court judge for the Southern District of New York, 1992-98; private practice, New York City, 1984-92; assistant district attorney, Manhattan, 1979-84.
Max Tyler Wins HD-23
Democrat Max Tyler, a businessman and activist won last nights vacancy committee in House District 23 (Lakewood and Golden). Other possibly early contenders choose not to run against Tyler.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Cleve Tidwell Interview
Cleve Tidwell is currently a candidate for US Senate in Colorado. His opponents are currently Ken Buck from Weld County and Ryan Frazier of Aurora. Cleve is a businessman well known for his sucess in the economic world.
1) Why do you think you can win and how will you win?
I truly believe that the U.S. Senate needs some common sense business like perspectives; some one that can find real solutions to problems and someone willing to stand up against the reckless spending that is going on and fight for the people of our Colorado and America. The career politicians have not served us well;
I think that Colorado voters will support a better alternative; we just need to get our message out that they have a chance for a better future and we have been doing this with success as we go across the state.
2) Do you plan to get on the ballot by getting 30% at the assembly, or by petition?
We certainly plan on having well over thirty percent at the assembly.
3) How are you going to deliver your message to the entire state?
Of course we are already doing mailings, phone calls, signs and stickers as usual; but from the start we have been visiting many locales across the state and talking to Colorado's fine people; Our schedule and request for meetings is getting packed. We have a solid strategy and we are on target to make it successful.I have to say that most of the time I spend listening to everyday folks to hear just what each of them finds important to them; and I learn something everyday!
4) Do you have any fundraising goals set yet?
Sure we do. Just like a business plan we have our strategies laid out and we have our teams working each area.
5) How are you different from the other candidates?
I am NOT a career politician. Despite what some "insiders" think, most people in Colorado think that that is an asset. I will bring a common sense business like skill set to Washington that I think they desperately need. I have large and small business experience and I know this is needed in Washington.
6) Why are you qualified to be our Senator?
I am NOT a career politician.!! If THEY were what we needed,
THEY would have done a better job!
My business experience of searching out issues of concerns and problems in business, developing solutions that work and building the strategy and action plan to get results will prove helpful in this stale Congress we have today. I also know how to say no to things that just don’t make sense and will stand strong when I know that is the case. I am confident that Colorado and the U.S. Senate would benefit from a better perspective.
7) What is your plan to get us out of the recession?
We must get confidence back in the lives of the American people. Of Course we need jobs and there are barriers that have to be removed so that can happen especially in Colorado. This will be difficult until we can stop the Congress from ramming bills with higher taxes and spending down our throat with no way to stop them. Once we can stop this we can then establish a strategy that will show people there are better ways, get people back to work and make sure people know that a socialist government is not going to continue. The fear of this socialist movement we are seeing has everyone concerned regardless of whom they voted for. Until we have a GOP controlled Senate or Congress this will be a difficult task. The one single issue that must change is to get the toxic assets off the balance sheet of the banks and then they can lend money for homes. That will help improve consumer confidence but it will be slow.
8) When did you start thinking of running for Senate?
Back in Dec 2008.
9) Why Senate and not Governor?
I do think that I would bring a lot to the office of Governor; and I do think that Governor Ritter has done a lousy job and is vulnerable. After all, he appointed Senator Bennett; that was certainly not his best work.
We have been considering several different options for quite some time, longer than most anyone knows. We brought some of our team on board very early to weigh the different options.
After careful analysis we believe, now, the office of U.S. Senator for Colorado is a better fit for both me AND my team; we've got a great team! We call them "Team Tidwell"!
10) How strong do you think the GOP is?
I think the GOP is fundamentally strong, that is, that those who really comprise the GOP, you, me and every conservative are energized now more than ever before. I think our GOP leadership is struggling with coming to grips with how we have strayed from our core conservative principles and are just now starting to listen to all of us and really taking it to heart. I hear it everywhere I go in Colorado.
>> The real heart of the GOP is really all of the good members across the country; they are at the core very strong but a bit bewildered at the hype and shams that are winning elections right now. The GOP leadership is struggling to find the way to engage the membership when so many have bought in to the hype rather than confront it.
11) You've gotten bad press lately in the political junkie world. Why do you think you are the target?
First, we've been moving up in the "polls": From "who?", to distant, to thirdish, to second. Plus straw polls mean nothing to us especially this early.
Again, I am NOT a career politician.!! These "insiders" just hate that; and I think that they are scared of it; because most NON-insiders think that it is an asset!
Actually, we've mostly been getting very positive responses and the real press has been good to us;
Plus I don’t read the blogs and things like that, just don’t have the time or really care to.A bit of relatively neutral; and a tiny bit of negative (mostly from the opposition's fan base) so I am told & an infinitesimal bit from the loonies.
In balance that is better than one would expect in a contentious race, especially this early.
12) If there is just one thing in the Senate you could do for posterity, what would it be?
Show the good people of Colorado and the rest of our blessed America that they have better alternatives than just the career politicians that inhabit Washington.
===========================
[One last thing Cleve adds]...
I am NOT a career politician.!! If THEY were what we needed, THEY would have done a better job!
1) Why do you think you can win and how will you win?
I truly believe that the U.S. Senate needs some common sense business like perspectives; some one that can find real solutions to problems and someone willing to stand up against the reckless spending that is going on and fight for the people of our Colorado and America. The career politicians have not served us well;
I think that Colorado voters will support a better alternative; we just need to get our message out that they have a chance for a better future and we have been doing this with success as we go across the state.
2) Do you plan to get on the ballot by getting 30% at the assembly, or by petition?
We certainly plan on having well over thirty percent at the assembly.
3) How are you going to deliver your message to the entire state?
Of course we are already doing mailings, phone calls, signs and stickers as usual; but from the start we have been visiting many locales across the state and talking to Colorado's fine people; Our schedule and request for meetings is getting packed. We have a solid strategy and we are on target to make it successful.I have to say that most of the time I spend listening to everyday folks to hear just what each of them finds important to them; and I learn something everyday!
4) Do you have any fundraising goals set yet?
Sure we do. Just like a business plan we have our strategies laid out and we have our teams working each area.
5) How are you different from the other candidates?
I am NOT a career politician. Despite what some "insiders" think, most people in Colorado think that that is an asset. I will bring a common sense business like skill set to Washington that I think they desperately need. I have large and small business experience and I know this is needed in Washington.
6) Why are you qualified to be our Senator?
I am NOT a career politician.!! If THEY were what we needed,
THEY would have done a better job!
My business experience of searching out issues of concerns and problems in business, developing solutions that work and building the strategy and action plan to get results will prove helpful in this stale Congress we have today. I also know how to say no to things that just don’t make sense and will stand strong when I know that is the case. I am confident that Colorado and the U.S. Senate would benefit from a better perspective.
7) What is your plan to get us out of the recession?
We must get confidence back in the lives of the American people. Of Course we need jobs and there are barriers that have to be removed so that can happen especially in Colorado. This will be difficult until we can stop the Congress from ramming bills with higher taxes and spending down our throat with no way to stop them. Once we can stop this we can then establish a strategy that will show people there are better ways, get people back to work and make sure people know that a socialist government is not going to continue. The fear of this socialist movement we are seeing has everyone concerned regardless of whom they voted for. Until we have a GOP controlled Senate or Congress this will be a difficult task. The one single issue that must change is to get the toxic assets off the balance sheet of the banks and then they can lend money for homes. That will help improve consumer confidence but it will be slow.
8) When did you start thinking of running for Senate?
Back in Dec 2008.
9) Why Senate and not Governor?
I do think that I would bring a lot to the office of Governor; and I do think that Governor Ritter has done a lousy job and is vulnerable. After all, he appointed Senator Bennett; that was certainly not his best work.
We have been considering several different options for quite some time, longer than most anyone knows. We brought some of our team on board very early to weigh the different options.
After careful analysis we believe, now, the office of U.S. Senator for Colorado is a better fit for both me AND my team; we've got a great team! We call them "Team Tidwell"!
10) How strong do you think the GOP is?
I think the GOP is fundamentally strong, that is, that those who really comprise the GOP, you, me and every conservative are energized now more than ever before. I think our GOP leadership is struggling with coming to grips with how we have strayed from our core conservative principles and are just now starting to listen to all of us and really taking it to heart. I hear it everywhere I go in Colorado.
>> The real heart of the GOP is really all of the good members across the country; they are at the core very strong but a bit bewildered at the hype and shams that are winning elections right now. The GOP leadership is struggling to find the way to engage the membership when so many have bought in to the hype rather than confront it.
11) You've gotten bad press lately in the political junkie world. Why do you think you are the target?
First, we've been moving up in the "polls": From "who?", to distant, to thirdish, to second. Plus straw polls mean nothing to us especially this early.
Again, I am NOT a career politician.!! These "insiders" just hate that; and I think that they are scared of it; because most NON-insiders think that it is an asset!
Actually, we've mostly been getting very positive responses and the real press has been good to us;
Plus I don’t read the blogs and things like that, just don’t have the time or really care to.A bit of relatively neutral; and a tiny bit of negative (mostly from the opposition's fan base) so I am told & an infinitesimal bit from the loonies.
In balance that is better than one would expect in a contentious race, especially this early.
12) If there is just one thing in the Senate you could do for posterity, what would it be?
Show the good people of Colorado and the rest of our blessed America that they have better alternatives than just the career politicians that inhabit Washington.
===========================
[One last thing Cleve adds]...
I am NOT a career politician.!! If THEY were what we needed, THEY would have done a better job!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
McInnis Quietly Runs for Governor
Scott McInnis quietly filed his candidacy with the Secretary of State yesterday. He still doesn't have a website or made any announcement. This is another great example of how not to announce a run for office. Polls show McInnis leading Ritter by 7%, but the way he's off to a start will make it more likely that he won't even make it through the primary.
Ken Buck and Scott McInnis have shown us great ways how not to enter a race and how not to campaign. Good luck to both candidates because they will need it.
Ken Buck and Scott McInnis have shown us great ways how not to enter a race and how not to campaign. Good luck to both candidates because they will need it.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Bennet Gets Funds Outside Colorado
From RMR...
If you have donated to any campaign to defeat Bennet in 2010 let us know! Post how much you've donated and to whom in the comments. If we have enough donations made, we'll keep track of how much Colorado Political News readers have donated to what campaigns. 2010 is the conservative's time so go and donate today.
Michael Bennet's hefty fundraising in the first quarter of the year may
have been intimidating at first glance, but a closer examination reveals that
the bulk of the money came from out-of-state. Potential primary opponents to
Bennet should especially take notice, as his fundraising among traditional
Democratic in-state donors is weak and the rest of his in-state fundraising
(primarily from the business community) may soon evaporate thanks to his
waffling on EFCA.
New York, Washington D.C., and California provided Bennet
nearly as many contributions as Colorado did. The graph below shows the source
of Bennet's first quarter haul:
PAC contributions to Bennet topped a quarter
of a million dollars, which along with the massive out-of-state funding leads
one to wonder just who exactly want Michael Bennet to be Colorado's U.S.
Senator.
Top sources of funding to Michael BennetColorado - $509,810PACs and
other committees - $261,125New York - $188,000Washington DC - $136,958California
- $100,367Maryland - $36,550Massachusetts - $30,200
One thing is clear,
Bennet's Republican opponent will have to have a strong backing from in-state
donors. Those donors aren't going to just come out of no where, they are people
like you reading this right now. The Democrats have figured out that in order to
win elections they have to man up and give a few dollars, so please donate to Ryan Frazier Ken Buck or [Cleve Tidwell] . Even
if it is just $5 or $10 you can help send Michael Bennet a message that the
people of Colorado do not want him in office.
If you have donated to any campaign to defeat Bennet in 2010 let us know! Post how much you've donated and to whom in the comments. If we have enough donations made, we'll keep track of how much Colorado Political News readers have donated to what campaigns. 2010 is the conservative's time so go and donate today.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Beeson Announces Run For Congress
Martin Beeson annonced his candidacy for Congress in the 3rd district (Salazar's) last night.
Do we see Beeson getting this seat? No...there is a very low chance this will happen because the district is happy with Salazar right now. Is it possible? Yes. The GOP has a better shot here then at Polis and DeGette. Perhaps when Salazar retires the GOP will be able to take this district, but not in 2010 unless they have a whole lot of money to go around.
Ninth Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson announced his candidacy for
Congress in Colorado's 3rd district last night.
Beeson is currently
District
Attorney in the 9th Judicial District covering the western slope
region of
Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco counties.
Calling himself
"just a small town
prosecutor," Beeson offered a positive vision for America
that he says he has
already applied as district attorney, and will use as a
blueprint for action in
Congress. "I've proven that confidence can be
renewed through trustworthy
public service," Beeson said in a prepared
statement...
Beeson took quick
aim at those in Washington who abuse
power and the public trust. "My vision for
America requires leaders who can
be trusted with public power and the public
purse," he said, reserving his
most pointed criticism for recent tax increases,
massive unfunded spending,
and corrupted politicians. He said Colorado
families should "tell Congress,
'You are not free to bail out your campaign
contributors ... to spend us
into decades of unsustainable debt ... to decide
economic winners and losers
... to take over our banks and businesses ... to use
our tax dollars to pay
for your re-election campaigns." "But," he added,
"if you don't like any of
this, Mr. Congressman, you are free to leave, and the
sooner the better!"
Beeson questioned incumbent Democrat John Salazar's
fitness to represent
the people of the 3rd district saying Salazar was elected
as a farmer and a
service veteran but recently resigned from the Agriculture and
Veterans
Affairs Committees for "a fat-cat seat" on the House Appropriations
Committee...
Do we see Beeson getting this seat? No...there is a very low chance this will happen because the district is happy with Salazar right now. Is it possible? Yes. The GOP has a better shot here then at Polis and DeGette. Perhaps when Salazar retires the GOP will be able to take this district, but not in 2010 unless they have a whole lot of money to go around.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Rayburn for Superintendent Now
CAROL MCGRAW Colorado Springs Gazette
Rayburn is now running for the unexpected... Do we see him getting this...maybe. He has a better shot here then Senate and this could help him for future political runs. The district knows Rayburn and they are open to the idea of him in charge of the schools. We'll see by June if he actually is more welcome to the job then candidates who's lives have focused on education.
Three educators and a retired Air Force major general have been named
the four finalists for the superintendent's job at Falcon School District
49.
The candidates were announced at Thursday's school board meeting.
The
district, the fifth-fastest-growing in the state, received 25
applications.
"It was a very qualified pool," board President Anna
Bartha
said.
The
board hopes to have someone on the job by July.
There will
be community
meetings next week in which the public can
meet the finalists
and ask questions.
Sessions will be May 20, 6 to 8
p.m., at Falcon Middle
School, 9755 Towner Ave.;
and May 21, 6 to 8
p.m., at Sand Creek High
School, 7005 N. Carefree Circle.
Bentley B. Rayburn
Experience: Retired
2006 as
major general, U.S. Air Force, after 31 years of service. From 2001
until
retirement was commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center and
president of
the
Air War College; director for plans for Air Combat
Command (2000-2001);
candidate for Colorado's 5th Congressional District in
2006 and 2008.
Education: Bachelor's in science and math, U.S. Air Force
Academy; master's
in political science from Georgetown University,
Washington, D.C.; honor
graduate ,U.S. Army Command and General Staff
College.
Huntsman to be Ambassador to China
Political Wire reports that Governor Jon Huntsman of Utah will be resigning soon to accept the nomination to become ambassador to China. This will help Obama prove he is bi-partisan without risking anything.
David Plouffe, who was Obama's 2008 campaign manager said that Huntsman was the only Republican he was really worried about challenging Obama in 2012. This now helps close off the possibility that Huntsman will run for President in 2012. However, it will give Huntsman even more foreign policy experience and in 2016 he could easily become one of the front-runners in the Republican Primary.
An announcement is expected Saturday.
Huntsman, who had been mentioned as a potential Republican contender for the
White House, has previously served as the Deputy United States Trade
Representative and was the ambassador Singapore. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and
he and his wife, Mary Kaye, have adopted a daughter from China.
David Plouffe, who was Obama's 2008 campaign manager said that Huntsman was the only Republican he was really worried about challenging Obama in 2012. This now helps close off the possibility that Huntsman will run for President in 2012. However, it will give Huntsman even more foreign policy experience and in 2016 he could easily become one of the front-runners in the Republican Primary.
An announcement is expected Saturday.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Rayburn for Senate?
Race 4 2008 has a story about Rayburn being the right guy for Senate in 2010.
The post claims that ultra-conservative Ken Buck, and moderate/libertarian Ryan Fraizer, won't be able to beat Bennet. The case is Buck doesn't have charisma and his campaign has already fallen flat on it's face and that Frazier just can't pull of this run for Senate.
The name that can beat Bennet in 2010 is claimed to be former General Bentley Rayburn from southern Colorado...
Rayburn rain twice for Congress in the 5th district. The first run he came in third place out of a total of six candidates. His second run he ended up with another narrow third place finish.
Full Article at...
http://race42008.com/2009/05/14/12693/
ANYLASIS
Do we believe Rayburn can pull off a win? The answer is probably no. Two losses does not make a win. He would start with name recognition in the 5th and would get veteran support, but Rayburn just isn't a fresh, charismatic player or someone who knows the economy inside out. He would have credibility though which would help for the General. We don't see Rayburn winning the primary or possibly even getting in the primary if he decided to run though.
The post claims that ultra-conservative Ken Buck, and moderate/libertarian Ryan Fraizer, won't be able to beat Bennet. The case is Buck doesn't have charisma and his campaign has already fallen flat on it's face and that Frazier just can't pull of this run for Senate.
The name that can beat Bennet in 2010 is claimed to be former General Bentley Rayburn from southern Colorado...
"Bentley Rayburn has the experience, the gravitas, and the charisma to take down
Michael Bennet - and there is no good reason why the National Republican
Senatorial Committee should not be pounding down his door and throwing money at
him."
Rayburn rain twice for Congress in the 5th district. The first run he came in third place out of a total of six candidates. His second run he ended up with another narrow third place finish.
Full Article at...
http://race42008.com/2009/05/14/12693/
ANYLASIS
Do we believe Rayburn can pull off a win? The answer is probably no. Two losses does not make a win. He would start with name recognition in the 5th and would get veteran support, but Rayburn just isn't a fresh, charismatic player or someone who knows the economy inside out. He would have credibility though which would help for the General. We don't see Rayburn winning the primary or possibly even getting in the primary if he decided to run though.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Election Odds Update
If you haven't noticed already, there is an election odds section on the left side of this blog. It is meant to show the candidates running, there current chances and a quick reason why. This isn't based off of polls, scientific research or anything like that. Here is more depth of why the candidates are ranked in this order and with their current odds.
Governor
Josh Penry (6-1) Starting to make good ID for himself. Josh Penry has been ranked as the worst and best Rep for 2010. He's convinced some democrats to go the with GOP on some issues like the death penelty that actually made the minority win. However Penry is very unpopular outside of the GOP and isn't as warming as some other candidates. He could win a primary, but it would be a bitter battle with McInnis and the party leadership who would take sides.
Scott McInnis (7-1) Continues to shoot himself in the foot. McInnis recently was up 7% against Ritter in a poll, since then he has made himself less popular. McInnis supports the Pinon Canyon Expansion which would increase a military base. However, this is agrued to be abusive to eminent domain rights and unpopular with those who would have to lose land. McInnis could win the primary if he starts campaigning for the things everyone likes, over the issues only a minority of people support.
Dan Maes* (15-1) Starting to get around to raise ID, but isn't there yet. Maes could be a wild card in 2010. He either won't even make it into the primary, or he could end up winning the nom. Maes is starting to go around to party leaders and events to gain support with the active GOP. He took first place in the May Denver County Straw Poll. Maes does not however have any prior campaign experience since he has never run for office. Keep an eye on this one.
Tom Wiens (25-1) This hopeful is starting to get some ID in the party, but not enough to win. Tom Wien will probably have a lot of trouble taking down Penry and McInnis. He has some support and isn't disliked, however he isn't that popular. Wiens has experience and a track record to prove it, but he needs to start getting more active in the GOP or he'll be too far behind the front runners to make up ground in 2010.
Tom Tancredo (35-1) Immigration doesn't seem like the top issue of 2010. Tancredo would have had a shot if the big issue of Colorado was immigration next year. Tancredo has fought hard against it and would be a front runner if Colorado cared. However, Colorado cares a lot more about fixing this economy first. He was popular in the 6th and would have a core base of supporters if he runs.
Senate
Ryan Frazier* (6-1) He's becoming the favorite in the primary. Frazier is young, african-american and served in the military. He's what some would call a "perfect candidate" for the general election. Frazier however is moderate on social issues which will hurt in the primary. You can't win the election without winning the primary and flipping on the issues will hurt him too. Frazier has already started gaining support from some of the business community and has one almost all the Straw Polls. Frazier will start in the lead.
Cleve Tidwell* (10-1) Has the money, but needs to raise ID. Most people don't know Tidwell. He is a businessman from Denver and will likely pick up support from that group of people. If Tidwell can win the backing of the business community he could well win the primary and general because Colorado will want a Senator who has experience in business. Tidwell has a long way to go though before he will be fighting with Frazier for the lead.
Ken Buck* (17-1) His campaign had a bad start and isn't getting better. Buck had a horrible campaign kick-off. He made a website before he announced taking away the "surprise". Buck has the law on his side though and is experienced in politics. However, to Frazier he looks old and that may hurt or help him. Colorado wants experience, but fresh ideas as well. If Buck can't start turning around the campaign though he probably won't make it to the primary.
Bob Beauprez (20-1) Has ID, but is Colorado done with Bob? Bob Beauprez lost by double-digits to Ritter in 2006. He is known best as "Both-Ways-Bob" has he fought in a nasty Gubernatorial race. Colorado does know who Beauprez is and he has money, enough to take on Bennet. If he can get the support and momentum he will be a front runner.
Dan Caplis (25-1) Conservatives like him, but he wouldn't make it in the general. Caplis is a good speaker, but isn't a politician. He would have some support for the primary, but he'd get creamed in the general. Caplis is too conservative for the state. If he decided to run, he'd need to get a good volunteer team to be able to compete. If he runs he too will be a wild card for the primary.
Treasurer
Walker Stapleton* (5-1) Will have the money and is starting to raise some ID. Stapleton recently appeared on fox talking about the economy which is a good start for a candidate wanted to be Treasurer. However, he hasn't done anything or gone to many events which hurts a candidate in a primary. Stapleton needs to get out there or else he'll be in the back for this race.
Muh. Ali Hasan (6-1) Has some campaigning experience now, but isn't the "wow" candidate. Hasan lost a race for the Colorado House in the Vail area last year. He is young, Muslim and a Republican which is rarely seen in a candidate. Hasan has lots of money though which will help him, but money didn't work last time. He needs to get a volunteer team organized to win the primary however, Hasan shows up to many Republican events and has ID.
JJ Ament (8-1) He'll have to take out Stapleton to get the nom. Ament is like Stapleton, expect not as grand. Ament is a banker and Stapleton is a businessman. However bankers and that popular this year and it will hurt him next year if we will have a bad economy. Ament has been credited for giving good speeches which helps in a primary when a candidate is at a large event. If he can take out Stapleton he could win the primary.
Secretary of State
Scott Gessler* (8-1) Has experience at law, but shows large favor to GOP which will hurt in the general. He is popular in the GOP, but won't make it in the general. He can't say he's unbiased when he's a republican lawyer. If he can show he's committed he can win.
Nancy Doty (10-1) County Clerk wouldn't be able to beat Buescher either. Doty doesn't have great ID and lost the Straw Poll to Gessler. She has credibility though which would help in the general, but Gessler is a more popular Republican. She could still win the primary.
CD-4
Cory Gardner* (7-1) Isn't leading this race like expected. Gardner hasn't done anything to place himself above this soon to be crowded primary. He has supports, but the 4th doesn't say he's their "for sure guy". Gardner was leading in the primary's poll, but not by much. He'll have to raise a whole lot of money to win the primary and beat Markey.
Tom Lucero* (8-1) Needs to raise a lot more money to be competitive. Lucero did a rather poor job or raising funds for the first quarter. This race will cost a lot because Markey will have money in the bank in 2010. Lucero can press hard on education, but the 4th cares more about agriculture. Lucero needs to get more active to win (although he is more active then Gardner).
Diggs Brown (8-1) Starting to raise support and money. Brown is very popular for the people that know him. The Draft Diggs team has raised over $30,000 this first quarter which is good for a candidate that isn't even running yet. Brown was very popular in Ft. Collins and has military experience that makes him even more likable. He would fare better against Markey over Lucero and maybe even Gardner. He just might be able to flip this house seat.
Steve Johnson (12-1) Too moderate to win a primary right now. Johnson is still popular in his area and would do very well against Markey. If he could get the money he'd at least make the 4th a very close race. Johnson however isn't as popular for Republicans as Gardner or Diggs and needs enthusiastic supporters to win. Keep an eye on Johnson because if he wins the primary, he too could win the general.
Governor
Josh Penry (6-1) Starting to make good ID for himself. Josh Penry has been ranked as the worst and best Rep for 2010. He's convinced some democrats to go the with GOP on some issues like the death penelty that actually made the minority win. However Penry is very unpopular outside of the GOP and isn't as warming as some other candidates. He could win a primary, but it would be a bitter battle with McInnis and the party leadership who would take sides.
Scott McInnis (7-1) Continues to shoot himself in the foot. McInnis recently was up 7% against Ritter in a poll, since then he has made himself less popular. McInnis supports the Pinon Canyon Expansion which would increase a military base. However, this is agrued to be abusive to eminent domain rights and unpopular with those who would have to lose land. McInnis could win the primary if he starts campaigning for the things everyone likes, over the issues only a minority of people support.
Dan Maes* (15-1) Starting to get around to raise ID, but isn't there yet. Maes could be a wild card in 2010. He either won't even make it into the primary, or he could end up winning the nom. Maes is starting to go around to party leaders and events to gain support with the active GOP. He took first place in the May Denver County Straw Poll. Maes does not however have any prior campaign experience since he has never run for office. Keep an eye on this one.
Tom Wiens (25-1) This hopeful is starting to get some ID in the party, but not enough to win. Tom Wien will probably have a lot of trouble taking down Penry and McInnis. He has some support and isn't disliked, however he isn't that popular. Wiens has experience and a track record to prove it, but he needs to start getting more active in the GOP or he'll be too far behind the front runners to make up ground in 2010.
Tom Tancredo (35-1) Immigration doesn't seem like the top issue of 2010. Tancredo would have had a shot if the big issue of Colorado was immigration next year. Tancredo has fought hard against it and would be a front runner if Colorado cared. However, Colorado cares a lot more about fixing this economy first. He was popular in the 6th and would have a core base of supporters if he runs.
Senate
Ryan Frazier* (6-1) He's becoming the favorite in the primary. Frazier is young, african-american and served in the military. He's what some would call a "perfect candidate" for the general election. Frazier however is moderate on social issues which will hurt in the primary. You can't win the election without winning the primary and flipping on the issues will hurt him too. Frazier has already started gaining support from some of the business community and has one almost all the Straw Polls. Frazier will start in the lead.
Cleve Tidwell* (10-1) Has the money, but needs to raise ID. Most people don't know Tidwell. He is a businessman from Denver and will likely pick up support from that group of people. If Tidwell can win the backing of the business community he could well win the primary and general because Colorado will want a Senator who has experience in business. Tidwell has a long way to go though before he will be fighting with Frazier for the lead.
Ken Buck* (17-1) His campaign had a bad start and isn't getting better. Buck had a horrible campaign kick-off. He made a website before he announced taking away the "surprise". Buck has the law on his side though and is experienced in politics. However, to Frazier he looks old and that may hurt or help him. Colorado wants experience, but fresh ideas as well. If Buck can't start turning around the campaign though he probably won't make it to the primary.
Bob Beauprez (20-1) Has ID, but is Colorado done with Bob? Bob Beauprez lost by double-digits to Ritter in 2006. He is known best as "Both-Ways-Bob" has he fought in a nasty Gubernatorial race. Colorado does know who Beauprez is and he has money, enough to take on Bennet. If he can get the support and momentum he will be a front runner.
Dan Caplis (25-1) Conservatives like him, but he wouldn't make it in the general. Caplis is a good speaker, but isn't a politician. He would have some support for the primary, but he'd get creamed in the general. Caplis is too conservative for the state. If he decided to run, he'd need to get a good volunteer team to be able to compete. If he runs he too will be a wild card for the primary.
Treasurer
Walker Stapleton* (5-1) Will have the money and is starting to raise some ID. Stapleton recently appeared on fox talking about the economy which is a good start for a candidate wanted to be Treasurer. However, he hasn't done anything or gone to many events which hurts a candidate in a primary. Stapleton needs to get out there or else he'll be in the back for this race.
Muh. Ali Hasan (6-1) Has some campaigning experience now, but isn't the "wow" candidate. Hasan lost a race for the Colorado House in the Vail area last year. He is young, Muslim and a Republican which is rarely seen in a candidate. Hasan has lots of money though which will help him, but money didn't work last time. He needs to get a volunteer team organized to win the primary however, Hasan shows up to many Republican events and has ID.
JJ Ament (8-1) He'll have to take out Stapleton to get the nom. Ament is like Stapleton, expect not as grand. Ament is a banker and Stapleton is a businessman. However bankers and that popular this year and it will hurt him next year if we will have a bad economy. Ament has been credited for giving good speeches which helps in a primary when a candidate is at a large event. If he can take out Stapleton he could win the primary.
Secretary of State
Scott Gessler* (8-1) Has experience at law, but shows large favor to GOP which will hurt in the general. He is popular in the GOP, but won't make it in the general. He can't say he's unbiased when he's a republican lawyer. If he can show he's committed he can win.
Nancy Doty (10-1) County Clerk wouldn't be able to beat Buescher either. Doty doesn't have great ID and lost the Straw Poll to Gessler. She has credibility though which would help in the general, but Gessler is a more popular Republican. She could still win the primary.
CD-4
Cory Gardner* (7-1) Isn't leading this race like expected. Gardner hasn't done anything to place himself above this soon to be crowded primary. He has supports, but the 4th doesn't say he's their "for sure guy". Gardner was leading in the primary's poll, but not by much. He'll have to raise a whole lot of money to win the primary and beat Markey.
Tom Lucero* (8-1) Needs to raise a lot more money to be competitive. Lucero did a rather poor job or raising funds for the first quarter. This race will cost a lot because Markey will have money in the bank in 2010. Lucero can press hard on education, but the 4th cares more about agriculture. Lucero needs to get more active to win (although he is more active then Gardner).
Diggs Brown (8-1) Starting to raise support and money. Brown is very popular for the people that know him. The Draft Diggs team has raised over $30,000 this first quarter which is good for a candidate that isn't even running yet. Brown was very popular in Ft. Collins and has military experience that makes him even more likable. He would fare better against Markey over Lucero and maybe even Gardner. He just might be able to flip this house seat.
Steve Johnson (12-1) Too moderate to win a primary right now. Johnson is still popular in his area and would do very well against Markey. If he could get the money he'd at least make the 4th a very close race. Johnson however isn't as popular for Republicans as Gardner or Diggs and needs enthusiastic supporters to win. Keep an eye on Johnson because if he wins the primary, he too could win the general.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
About the Candidates
Starting today, we will have a BLOG post for each primary candidate for major races. It will include what their campaign has done, where they are, their stances and the issues and more. We hope that you will post comments about your thoughts about the candidates and if you have something to add, that you post a comment also. We will start with the Republican Senate Primary. There will also be a poll of who you'd vote for on the left side of the BLOG. We will also try to contact their campaigns to answer questions about their running for office.
Current Senate Candidates-
Cleve Tidwell
Ken Buck
Ryan Frazier
Possibles-
Bob Beauprez
Dan Caplis
Tom Tancredo
Current Senate Candidates-
Cleve Tidwell
Ken Buck
Ryan Frazier
Possibles-
Bob Beauprez
Dan Caplis
Tom Tancredo
Welcome
Welcome to Colorado Political News' opening! Here we plan to discuss upcoming elections, current politics in not just Colorado, but the whole nation. The focus is on Colorado candidates and politics thought. Please feel free to share you ideas, post comments and such. This is a place to gather and analyze Colorado's political news.
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