A Storm Starts to Form in CD-7

Republicans have been hearing for days that Mike Coffman was re-considering his bid for the Governors race – but the rumors concerning a “deal” for a potential run in the 7th have been, shall I say, greatly exaggerated.

Though Mike Coffman is regarded as one of the strongest contenders for the upcoming Primary in the 7th (get with the program, folks, Bobby B is running for Governor), Mike has not greased any wheels, made any back-door deals, or brokered any possible appointments for the future.

He resigned his candidacy with absolutely no contingency plan.

And while it’s true that he and Cynthia (who now lives in Denver) will be married May 28th and are, indeed, House Hunting – Mike has not decided whether he’ll evolve his once-gubernatorial-machine and Grassroots Appeal into a Congressional Campaign.

Within the 7th CD, Mark Paschall has been heard stating he’ll step aside if Mike becomes a neighbor (gee, that’s no real surprise) and has, himself, halted (at least temporarily) his CM Search while once favorite Rick O’Donnel will need to also reconsider his own Political Capitol (does he really want to go into the ring against Iron Mike?) and long-term political ambition.

Comments

[thinkin]

Coffman getting out of the race for Gov. early certainly helps him keep options open; he hasn't spent any substanital money and he hasn't burnt any bridges.

[run mike run]

You have to admit, Mike's exit is pretty classy. He needs a press release that sounds less petty than the quotes the AP ran, but all he does is earn kudos and favors from the powers that be. There really isn't a down side to him getting out (seeing as he couldn't win).

I'm thinking Rick O'Donnell will find himself on the wrong side of the establishment, again. Hard to believe for a guy who's come up through the Owens administration, but that's the way it is.

On another note - anybody else think that Sean Murphy's quotes in the AP article are top-notch? Sure, it's an easy pitch, but he still knocked it out of the park.

[John Sapien]

Coffman and O'Donnell are the real deal. I say whoever gets the best campaign manager and finance director will win the primary. After all, you gotta have the right organizational team and the money to run it. O'Donnell had the former in 2002, but didn't have the latter. The talent pool for either position is very thin.

[loyalty]

Bill Ray (once communications for the Party and up till now with the Treasurer) has accepted a position with the Romanoff Ripoff Initiative.

[Deane]

What's going around GOP circles is that the O'Donnell's already got massive support at the grassroots...his own folks last time, and he's won over BB supporters since.

[irishstout]

You forget that both Coffman and O'Donnell have earned the "coattail" reputation with the Owens Administration. Owens does not have the political capital to push candidates anymore, and actually has become a liability in their campaigns.
Also, keep an eye on Paschall. Writing him off or reporting that he will back out is not only irresponsible, but dangerous.

[NotIrish]

Coffman having a "cottail" reputation with Owens!? Everyone knows Owens and Coffman dislike each other.If anything Coffman gains votes from the anti-Owens crowd. Paschall is a nut.

[irishstout]

You say "everyone knows Owens and Coffman dislike each other." Everyone being pols? Most people will associate Coffman with the Owens administration. We both know they dont like each other but MOST just see an affiliation. Pols are not the only ones going to the polls. If we can base a congressional race on the sitting president's performance, we can certainly connect Owens popularity and his administration to Coffman, whether you think its fair or not.

[Gold Dome]

Whoever runs would be crazy not to tie themselves as close to Owens as possible the Governor's job approval is over 65% which almost ever poitician would kill for. He can raise big time dollars for whoever he backs and other than the extreme right wing never do anything to grow the party Republicans who dislike him because he can see the big picture which is if you do not have the majority you do not control the agenda. Bob Schaffer got this, that's why he had Owens endorse him at the Republican Central Committee meeting.

[purple dome]

Not only that, but with the economy and job growth rebounding the way they are, by this time next year candidates should be begging to carry on the Owens legacy.

[Best Gov in USA]

Owens rocks and if it was not for him our party would have sunk deeper in 2002 rather than winning everything. It amazes me how shortsighted or blind some of the legislators at the capitol are. They beg for his help in the general election and trash him at their breakfast clubs, if they were left on their own they would be in the minority for life.

[a]

Best Gov in USA,

You are right on with your comments. Legislators like Lamborn and Schultheis all want their pictures taken with Owens and want a quote for their campaign literature, but when it comes to supporting the Governor they scatter like cockroaches. The extreme right wing of the party has sacrificed Owens on their alter of morality, and the entire Republican party suffers because of it. The right wingers walk around with their blinders on avoiding the bigger picture of electing a Republican majority, which is helped by obeying Reagan’s 11th Commandment.