Calling Surgeon Beauprez

Gubernatorial Candidate Bob Beauprez seems to be scrubbing up…

According to a mass email sent by the Chairman of Backbone America Citizens Alliance (and former President of the Colorado Senate) John Andrews, four contenders in the upcoming Governor race answered the group’s survey concerning Referendum C.

Three potential Republican contenders for Governor next year are voicing their opposition or concerns toward Referendum C, the $3 billion spending plan referred by the legislature for voter approval this fall.  One of the four Democrats most frequently mentioned for their party’s nomination came out in favor of the plan; the others passed.

Ritter (is) For, Wiens Against, Beauprez and Holtzman (are) Unsupportive.

Extra points need to go to Bobby B for his elaborative answer concerning C:

I am increasingly concerned that Referendum C is to our budget problems what a chain saw would be to brain surgery – a blunt instrument for a delicate job... I am not convinced that a $3 billion tax increase is the only way to get the job done.

Holtzman, on the other hand, took a very politically adept route in answering:

As the campaign's pace quickens, we will not be able to answer every such questionnaire, so in fairness to all, we will not be answering questionnaires.

But as you know, I have always been a supporter of TABOR and would favor no changes in it. It has been good for our state and already includes adequate provisions for dealing with the sorts of economic downturns we have experienced… (but) out of respect for Governor Owens, I have said I will reexamine my stance if he and others can justify some specific plan for the use of de-Bruced revenues.

No surveys or questionnaires. Very interesting. It seems Marc is prepared for a General Election and is not concerned (at least as of now) with courting State Delegates (the Right-of-Right folks).  But I digress…

Wiens was typical in his responses: No Tinkering.

But onto Ritter –

For a Democrat to answer something like this, at least right now, seems a bit amateurish. Sure – it’s nice to know he’s in support of “C”…

Coloradoans deserve a modern and sensible approach to managing our state’s resources.  I support Referendum C because it significantly alters the part of TABOR that has held our state back from achieving its potential in the critical areas of transportation, funding for school construction, and the Police and Fire Pension Fund.  I will campaign for Referendum C's passage in 2005.

… But really – what Democrat isn’t? Moreover, going on record like this just doesn’t help him and at the very least gives the impression that he doesn’t even know what the “Backbone” group is. Hint: it’s conservative.

Yes – the Republican Candidates need to respond to these sorts of things, but for a guy that is barely even campaigning to take time and respond to a Backbone America survey, let alone get on record this early, is jumping the gun quite a bit.

Note to Bill: Backbone won’t help you. They’re not your friend – they won’t give you an endorsement or help you raise money. The R Candidates need to waste time with this stuff – but as of now, you’d be better served distinguishing yourself among the Democratic field, not the Republican.

Comments

[knowTom]

I know Weins - and I don't think he'll run, at the end of the day, against Beuaprez. For what it's worth.

[Corebeliever]

Don't think Club for Growth and National Taxpayers Union are gonna let Beauprez or Holtzman skate with that answer. First real test of the 2006 Governor's race. Do you side with a popular Governor who can help you in a primary and general election or worry about the convention where the rank and file will watch every word on TAXES. It will be interesting to see who blinks first Beauprez or Holtzman. It is also interesting that no one is pressuring McInnis could it be he is already out of the race? And as we knew from the start Tom Weins is not credible material for any type of tough race out side of an 80% republican district... too much baggage.

[Stygius]

First, Beauprez's response, the 'chainsaw surgery' analogy is pretty ironic, considering TABOR itself is designed to perform chainsaw surgery.

Second, Holtzman and Ritter both seem not to understand that a temporary de-brucing is not "altering" TABOR since Ref C actually conforms to TABOR's provisions.

[Woman]

Could it be that Ritter actually is TRYING to appeal to Republicans? As the only pro-life Democrat, crossing over to the dark side isn't a long walk.

[wonderwoman]

Woman, I am confused. you said that Ritter is not far from crossing over to the dark side, which means that he will stay a Democrat, correct?

[haha]

But really - do you think he might be actively trying to court republicans by doing this survey? getting his name id up??

[Donald E. L. Johnson]

I think BB and MH will support Referendum C, and it won't be an issue in the primary. To me, it seems likely that the issue will be, who can win the general. It will be a personality race.

Don

[Keith]

Don-
You always entertain me.

[perfectworld]

I would have prefered a better answer from Marc - I thought he was trying to nip at Bob from the Right, but I guess not.