More Movement in Jeffco

Republicans are starting to hear rumblings of yet another Vacancy Committee occurring in Jefferson County.

In the wake of former Jefferson County Commissioner Rick Sheehan and State Representative Don Lee, State Senator Norma Anderson is rumored to be a candidate to fill the vacancy of Insurance Commissioner Doug Dean, leaving the Jefferson County Republican Party with yet another opportunity to determine representation for the county.

Anderson, who represents Senate District 22, is in her final term after nearly two decades of legislative service to Colorado.

Two candidates are already filed to run in the Republican Primary shaping up in Southern Jefferson County, but with an impending Vacancy, the seat may just not be ‘open’ anymore. 

Conservative Republicans Dana Michael Kopp and Justin Everett are both vying for the Republican Nomination to the seat, but with a potential move from Anderson, the Moderate Norma may very well be able to help determine – if not entirely effect – just who will succeed her.

That individual would likely be the front runner in a Republican Primary in ’06 and have the Legislative record to help fend off an eventual Democratic Nominee.

The 5 person Vacancy Committee of Senate District 22 consists of Angie D’Aurio, Jim Johnson, Bill Schroeder, John Topolnicki and Dave Warren.

Comments

[Todd]

I cannot believe for a second that Justin Everett would have a chance at this seat. He just lost the vacancy committee for Don Lee's seat, why doesn't he do what is in the district's best interests instead of his own?

[JeffcoR]

I think the bigger issue might be, instead, Norma "I refuse to leave politics, they'll have to drag me out kicking and screaming" Anderson.

[Todd]

That is true. Is Norma thought that the party would replace her with an extreme right winger, she may say just to spite them. In addition, If she gets the appointment as Insurance Commissioner, it would only be for a year and a half before a new Governor is sworn in and I have doughts that a Democrat or another Republican Governor would keep her.

[Jeff Dem]

As one of only 2 Democrats present at Don Lee's Vacancy Committee, I was shocked when Justin Everett didn't get the appointment. He clearly was far and beyond the best out of the 4. After speaking with Justin after the committee meeting, I was very impressed and would actually consider voting for him. We need young dynamic people with new solutions to problems in education and health care in the state legislature. He would be an excellent candidate for Norma's seat in 2006, and a tough candidate for anyone to beat. He clearly cares about the district and its residents, I didn't get the impression that he's in it for himself.