The Rocky is reporting today that Greg Walcher has filed papers for a re-match against Congressman John Salazar in the 3rd CD. Walcher's claiming he just wants to keep his "options open."
Interestingly enough, Walcher is trying to co-opt John Salazar's successful branding from the 2004 race by listing his occupation as a "farmer." Apparently, Walcher is tending to a few peach trees near Palisade.
Note: As it was pointed out to us, The Cortez Journal had this story first.
What Walcher fails to recognize (likely due to his enormous ego) is that it takes more than tending to a couple of trees to win the support of West Slope farmers.
Walcher's support for the water scam Referendum A (aka the Chris Paulson Full-employment Act) is the main reason why the West Slope rejected him in favor of a Democrat in a heavily Republican district.
Folks on the West Slope have a very long memory when you try to mess with their water. They're still pissed at Dick Lamm for his proposal as governor to divert their water to the front range.
It will be a long time before Walcher is forgiven for supporting an initiative that failed so miserably west of the divide.
Challenging Salazar to a re-match is an option Walcher should drop in favor of full-time peach squeezing. If the GOP hopes to win that seat back, they're going to need someone other than Greg Walcher.
He didn't learn the first time!
Posted by: BA | May 18, 2005 at 12:09 PM
Walcher running again in the third - give me a break. Aside from the mislabeled bonding measure that was ref. A, Walcher left a bad taste in my mouth. The only reason he has 75k left is because he did not spend enough to win. No one leaves that kind of money on the table in that tight of a race unless they don't know how or don't want to win.
If I were the NRCC or State party I would ask for my money back so that it can be spent on a viable candidate in 2006.
Posted by: Sour | May 18, 2005 at 12:11 PM
Sorry, guys, but no personal rumors run amok. We took down three such comments.
Posted by: Alva Adams | May 18, 2005 at 01:05 PM
Just the facts:
In the mid-80's Walcher was working for Sen Armstrong. While he was working for the Senator there was a story in the Westword about a young male intern in the Senator's office who was sexually harassed by a latent homosexual staffer in the office. Within a year of that story being printed, Mr. Walcher went to Grand Junction, got married and adopted a child.
I'm not saying anything here, just passing along all factual information. Everything mentioned is public information. Let's see if it get's removed by Alva.
Posted by: facts | May 18, 2005 at 01:16 PM
As a Democrat I say, "GO Walcher!"
I hope he gets the nomination.
What's changed in the last year to make him more electable? One thing has changed, Salazar has incumbancy. That's what's changed.
Posted by: heather | May 18, 2005 at 01:18 PM
And I happen to know that he loves Cher.
Posted by: GJFred | May 18, 2005 at 01:24 PM
When I heard Walcher was holding a press conference, I actually wondered if it was in response to what has happened recently in Spokane, Washington. You know, SPOKANE, where funding for the Mt. Saint Helens state park is under fire becuase of thier former DNR Director's failer to classify it properly.
Posted by: PeanutButterG | May 18, 2005 at 01:30 PM
"I'm not saying anything here,"
Yes you are. Don't be such a coward, if you want to post something like that stand behind it.
Posted by: learnedhand | May 18, 2005 at 01:36 PM
Sexual preferance aside-Walcher is a very smart man but lacks the charisma to be elected in CD-3. He is not liked by many, not only because of actions in the past but because of how he acts now.
Posted by: BA | May 18, 2005 at 01:54 PM
As we've always said, if you can back it up, comment away. We're just trying to protect against people just throwing up random rumors to see if something negative sticks on someone.
Posted by: Alva Adams | May 18, 2005 at 03:35 PM
Does anyone outside of the Grand Valley actually care that the Walcher family owns a peach orchard? I remember that Walcher's campaign signs sort of had a peach on them (there was an outline of a peach in one of the letters), and I was thinking that is something that would have little emotional resonance, or any sort of other meaning, outside of Palisade or Grand Junction. There are better peaches out there than Walcher peaches, anyway.
Posted by: h. wren | May 18, 2005 at 03:37 PM
Why can't the Reps on the West Slope get their act together? I have heard substancial rumors that Matt Smith is running again too! We don't need another looser vs. looser primary again. Now Smith will win, and be an even bigger joke. May even be tied to McGinnis, via the rumor mill. Scott Tipton where are you???
Posted by: Rebel Rep | May 18, 2005 at 03:46 PM
Rebel Dem,
I don't quite understand your Ref. A plug....water lawyers love the status quo because there is currently a water shortage on the front range....could that possibly be the reason why there is so much litigation? Just maybe....
Posted by: andy | May 18, 2005 at 03:49 PM
Andy,
I assume you are referring to the Chris Paulson quip. Had Ref. A passed, Paulson would have made a killing on all the various campaigns for specific water projects, the lobbying, and the permitting of the projects. He is so much more than just a water lawyer. Except I hear that now he's a developer.
Posted by: Rebel Dem | May 18, 2005 at 04:06 PM
So, Chris "Palpatine" Paulson is actually Darth Sidious?
Posted by: Wookie | May 18, 2005 at 04:08 PM
Tipton's been out on the campaign trail and raising money...best way to keep greg and matt out is give money to Tipton!!! (FWIW, I don't work for Scott I just dig his style.)
Posted by: ziik | May 18, 2005 at 07:31 PM
I'll back up ziik on this one - send money to Tipton if you're a Republican!!! Not that I think John Salazar needs the extra help, but if you're going to throw away your money and the race, go for broke!
Posted by: Phoenix Rising | May 18, 2005 at 08:09 PM
I think Greg and Matt had there shot. Don't think many would work for either again. Does anyone really thing Greg can raise even half the amount of money he raised last time? His campaign team is all working for Beauprez, so other than his wife who is going to help him? Matt really hurt himself with the party over here, he was not a team player and burned alot of bridges. It is pretty telling when his own brother in law would not help him.
Posted by: BlackCanyon | May 19, 2005 at 07:43 AM
BlackCanyon -
Interesting perspective on Matt Smith and Greg Walcher. Personally, I don't think either will run for CD3 again. Walcher just enjoys headlines and is really trying to weedle his way back into Club 20 (God help them) and find a way to suck the organization dry - again.
I think the Mesa County GOP would do well to forgive Matt Smith his one indescretion (not endorsing Walcher). Matt is a bright guy who has a lot to offer in the political arena. You wouldn't believe the clout he has in the national and international energy arenas. No one really knows this of course, because Matt isn't a tireless self-promoter and megalomaniac (like Walcher).
Posted by: GOP30S | May 19, 2005 at 10:50 AM
I am hearing that Matt Smith is going to run for Ron Tecks seat vs. Rep. Penry who is gearing up to run for the seat as well. I don't know about you all, but Rep. Penry would make a far better Senator and unlike Smith, is just embarking on a political career that promises to be bright. Politicians like Smith that run for the sake of running are what gives them all a bad name. He's starting to remind me of another GJ Republican that never got the message (Kevin VanGundy). My money is on Penry in a primary!
Posted by: westslopespolitics | May 19, 2005 at 11:03 AM
Penry will take it easily-he accomplished so much this session and would honestly be the best man to take over for Teck.
Posted by: BA | May 19, 2005 at 03:14 PM