It is no secret that Chris Romer, son of former Colorado Governor Roy Romer, has been planning a run for the open State Treasurer seat in 2006 (Mike Coffman, Republican gubernatorial candidate, is term-limited). But those plans might have hit a snag.
Denver City Auditor Dennis Gallagher is seriously considering his own run for State Treasurer. Gallagher was outspent 3-1 in his Auditor race but still won, and he would be a tough opponent in a Democratic Primary. And despite financial backing from Rutt Bridges to repeal his Gallagher Amendment (property tax relief for senior citizens), the big man drew nice-sized crowds as he stumped around the state to successfully, and overwhelmingly, save it from defeat.
Chris Romer is a state party favorite, but he backed down from taking on Coffman in 2002 and may not be up for a fight. Look for State Party Chair Chris Gates to fill a bag with goodies to entice Gallagher to back off instead.
Why not Penfield Tate for this post. The job basically involves issuing bonds, I know his political aspirations aren't over. He's served on the budget committee, he's worked as a muncipal bond lawyer, he's handled finances for redevelopment projects, and not to put too fine a point on it, lots of non-Denver people who might be concerned that the wouldn't agree with him on non-budgetary issues might have no problem with him as auditor. He could eaisly have cross-over appeal in much the way that Salazar did.
Posted by: ohwilleke | January 07, 2005 at 07:45 PM
Another Romer in public office? No,thank you.
Posted by: James C. Hess | January 07, 2005 at 09:18 PM
I hear (though not directly from him) that Gallagher is actually taking a look at treasurer. I thought maybe it was all rumor, but I hear that he has been contacted by some folks who would like him to run and he is not dismissing the idea.
This blog is apparently making the rounds of politicos in the state and this posting prompted some of them to follow up with Gallagher in a positive way.
It was from some of them that I heard this, and who directed me to this website. Sorry I had not been here before and seen this when it was originally posted.
I'll be back.
Posted by: Roger Dalkins | January 19, 2005 at 08:23 AM
Thanks for thinking of us.
Posted by: Alva Adams | January 19, 2005 at 08:27 PM