McInnis and Hickenlooper

Former Congressman Scott McInnis was in the news today, telling the Pueblo Chieftain that he is looking at the governor's race (thanks to reader 'Timmy' for the heads-up). While a movement has been underway to draft McInnis for awhile, we're still skeptical here at Colorado Pols. McInnis may very well decide to get in the race at some point, but that will mean that he changed his mind from a few weeks ago when he told colleagues and friends that he would absolutely not run for public office in 2006. It doesn't hurt McInnis to let his name get out there as a possible candidate, but we'll believe it when we see it.

The story is also interesting because McInnis declares Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to be the likely Democratic candidate. We've heard more reports lately that Hick may be thinking against running for governor, but as the field of Republican candidates gets stronger, Democrats may look to mount a 'Draft Hick' campaign of their own. Without Hick in the race, the field for Dems starts to thin considerably (more on this tomorrow).

Comments

[Roger]

I have noted on this board a couple of times that I was convinced that Hickenlooper would get in the race and would do so via a 'draft Hickenlooper' move to be pushed by Chris Gates (they are extremely close and Gates was one of the people advising Hickenlooper from the beginning about his mayoral run). The fact that Gates is not the chair does not change that strategy. It will happen (though without Gates holding the chair some of the manipulation might be tougher) and is probably the best thing. With Udall out there is not a stronger Democrat than Hickenlooper.

Also, as I have noted many times, McInnis will not run. I know that circumstances can change and there is always the unforseen, but at this point in time, Scott is just posturing, and is not planning to run. BB will run but will face a primary (possibly a three way primary) the outcome of which can not be predicted with certainty.

As a side note, does Rick Odonnell run again for the 7th, if BB runs for Guv?

[dc]

I know this site has been discounting a McGinnis run for Gov, but yesterday at Douglas County GOP Exec. meeting, the freshmen State Rep. in the county actively pitched a "Draft McGinnis for Gov" petition. Although I'm told it was a very well spoken pitch, it does not seem to have been very well received. Coffman is pretty much the favorite down here among REPs with BB running a close second.
Not sure if it is posturing by McGinnis, and those around him, for an appointment or if it is a sign of things to come.

[a]

I'm not a Douglas County resident, but even though Sullivan is a long-time county commissioner, I can't believe he's taken very seriously at exec meetings. He's just not conservative enough for Douglas County.