Pawlenty Will Not Run for Governor

Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will announced soon that he will not run for re-election in 2010. No, he's not from Colorado, however this could hint at a run for higher office.

A source who spoke with the Governor said that he had "made up his mind a while back."

Pawlenty has been Governor for two terms and is pondering a run for President in 2012. He had the potential to be vulnerable in 2010, and if he lost re-elected that would hurt his possibly Presidential big in 2012. Perhaps we could see him campaigning in Colorado in 2012.

Obama Signs Bill to Honor President Reagan

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has signed one for the Gipper.
With the stroke of a pen Tuesday, Obama created the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission. The 11-person panel will plan and carry out activities to mark the 100th anniversary, in 2011, of the late president's birth. That may include issuing a postage stamp, a commemorative $1 coin or convening a joint session of Congress.

Reagan was born on June 6, 1911. He died in 2004.

His widow, former first lady Nancy Reagan, looked on as Obama signed the bill into law at the White House.

-Associated Press

Dan Maes Interview

We conducted and online interview with Gubernatorial candidate Dan Maes. Maes is a businessman from Evergreen, Colorado who hasn't run for office before.

Why can you win this nomination?
Because I am the right person, with the right skills, at the right time for the party and Colorado.

What sets you apart from the other candidates and possible candidates?
My life story of overcoming poverty to create multiple professional successes, my work ethic, and mostly my proven track record of administrative and executive experiences. The governor’s position is an executive, leadership position.

Why did you choose to get on the ballot via assembly?
My personality and work style is more in line with the assembly process. I love meeting people and winning them over to a worthy cause.

When did you start thinking of running for Governor?
I have wanted to run for office sine I was a teenager. I set my sites on a run almost 5 years ago when I started my business with the intent of running upon sale of the company. Governor, specifically, about 6 months ago

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Why Governor and not Senator?
Again, my resume is more in line with the responsibilities of Governor.

What are your qualifications to lead the state?
I have over 20 years of management, and executive experience with leadership experience going back over 30 years into my teens. Detailed information on my experience can be found at my Face Book page.

How strong do you think your party is?
I think it is strong and growing stronger by the minute thanks to grass roots organizations that are conservative and ready to line up with Republicans who share their beliefs and are ready to stand by them.

Do you trust the party’s leadership?
Yes.

How do you plan to get your message across the entire state?
Campaigning is very similar to running a regional sales organization which I have done for over 15 years. We will use a combination of strategies including, but not limited to, attending 100’s of events, intense use of social networking, and direct mail.

Why do you feel you’re needed as our Governor and Ritter needs out?
Gov. Ritter is taking Colorado down the same path as Obama is taking the country. This has become Obama west and it must stop. We must re-energize our economy not suppress it.

How do you plan to get Colorado’s economy going again?
Creating a regulatory environment that is energy and business friendly while assuring great education in the state.

If there is one issue you can tackle as Governor what would it be?
Creating revenue via proactive business initiatives.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel strongly that Colorado conservatives are not only ready for a fresh face, but one that stands firmly on traditional Republican values and has the right skills at the right time of his professional path. My story is one that people from across the political spectrum can relate with and connect to.

To learn more go to www.danmaes.com

North Korea Names New Heir

SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has signaled the anointment of his youngest son as heir to the ruling family dynasty as the rival Koreas bolstered their militaries along a disputed sea border on Tuesday

Full story here

Cleve Tidwell Wins Straw Poll

Cleve Tidwell last night managed to come on top in the straw poll that closed right before midnight. Tidwell had lead most of the month, but in the last two days, Ryan Frazier managed to gather enough supporters to steal the lead. The two continued to battle for first place all through last night. At times it looked like Tidwell could not win and Frazier had it locked. At other times it looked like the poll would come down to only few votes the race was so close. The candidates were separated at the end by 24 votes.

Both candidates did and outstanding job of rousing support from twitter, facebook and e-mails. Over 1,100 people have voted which shows great enthusiasm from supporters. If the GOP can take this energy to the general once a candidate is selected and unit together, Bennet will have a run for his money.

Ken Buck came in third place with 6% of the vote. Ironically, he was had 6% most of the time no matter how many votes were cast. Bob Beauprez came in last place with only 1%. This can be and indication Colorado Republicans are not too happy about trying to elect Beauprez again.

The results...
1) Cleve Tidwell with 552 Votes (47%)
2) Ryan Frazier with 528 Votes (45%)
3) Ken Buck with 71 Votes (6%)
4) Bob Beauprez with 12 Votes (1%)

Total votes: 1163

More people voted on this poll then for any single candidate at the CPAC straw poll for President. Most of the votes came in yesterday for the Frazier side and a majority came in yesterday for the Tidwell side also. It was interesting to watch such a close race.

We will have the gubernatorial poll posted today. Tell all your friends and supporters of your candidate to come and vote for your guy.

Obama: Nationalization of GM to be short-term

WASHINGTON – In a defining moment for American capitalism, President Barack Obama ushered General Motors Corp. into bankruptcy protection Monday and put the government behind the wheel of the company that once symbolized the nation's economic muscle.
-AP

Full story here

Senate Primary Straw Poll

Update: See below for poll timeline

Wow, we've had a great turnout so far and a heated straw poll. With 10 hours left to go,Cleve Tidwell has managed to take back the lead from Ryan Frazier, who had a huge boost in the last 24 hours. Both candidates have the poll posted at their facebook pages and the Tidwell campaign sent out an e-mail to supporters asking for their votes. Frazier beats Tidwell 4-1 in Facebook supporters, but the poll is still very close. Ken Buck, is still in single digits, but is doing better then Bob Beauprez who is polling at about 1%.

The results at 14 hours were....
1) Ryan Frazier 147 Votes (48%)
2) Cleve Tidwell 131 Votes (43%)
3) Ken Buck 21 Votes (6%)
4) Bob Beauprez 3 Votes (0%)

The results at 10 hours left were....
1) Cleve Tidwell 210 Votes (49%)
2) Ryan Frazier 187 Votes (43%)
3) Ken Buck 23 Votes (5%)
4)Bob Beauprez 6 Votes (1%)

The results at 7 hours left were...
1) Ryan Frazier 326 Votes (48%)
2) Cleve Tidwell 293 Votes (43%)
3) Ken Buck 45 Votes (6%)
4) Bob Beauprez 6 Votes (0%)

The results at 3 hours left are...
1) Ryan Frazier 449 Votes (49%)
2) Cleve Tidwell 389 Votes (42%)
3) Ken Buck 65 Votes (7%)
4) Bob Beauprez 11 Votes (1%)
Votes so far: 914

If Ryan Frazier wins this, it is another victory to add to the many straw polls he has come in first in. Cleve Tidwell is doing well here and it seems the campaign is trying hard to manage a victory here.

Cleve Tidwell has already completed and interview on Colorado Political News and Ryan Frazier's will be posted soon. Ken Buck has not responded to one.

Do you think Frazier will pull an upset over Tidwell who's been in the lead most of the month, or will Tidwell win this one?