Colorado Politics, News and Inside Information

Tipton Seems To Be The One

Rumors are abuzz concerning Scott Tipton and his fundraising capabilities in this last quarter.

More specifically, Tipton has been seen OUTSIDE of CD-3 and is apparently doing very well building a network of support both within the Metro Area and Washington DC.

If all this is true – Tipton may very well be the one Republican to go head to head with John Salazar in ’06.  And with Smith out and Walcher a losing horse from the get-go, the CD-3 Republicans are already lining up with Scott; from Moffat to Pueblo – the activists are with him. With the money there too, well, that might just be a race after all.

Enter, Fitz-Gerald

The Casper Star Tribune has the scoop on Colorado Politics tonight…

…Reporting that Senator Joan Fitz-Gerald is very seriously considering a run for Governor.

Fitz-Gerald, of Golden, is one of only two women in the nation who serve as president of a state senate. She told a Summit County Chamber of Commerce committee Tuesday she knows a run for governor would be expensive and physically draining.

This is probably no real surprise – we’ve discussed this here many times before – and a competitive third candidate on the Democratic side would probably liven up the race a bit.

Of the remainder of the field:

Among other potential Democratic candidates, former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter and wealthy think tank founder Rutt Bridges have said they will run. Former Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler has been mentioned as a possible candidate, and U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar has not ruled out running.

All while the two Republican camps continue to BASH each other over a race that’s still 14 months out.

Williams, Crank & Lamborn

The Colorado Springs Independent is weighing in on the upcoming race in CD-5 (apparently everyone knows Hefley is resigning.)

According to the socially liberal, fiscally conservative editorial writer John Hazlehurst:

If what the political wags are saying is true, nine-term Congressman Joel Hefley likely will announce his retirement early in January. To the best of my knowledge, he hasn't officially told anyone yet.

Hazlehurst has also assessed the current line-up of potential congressional candidates…

The Final Ace

The Colorado GOP now has a new Political Director.

Dustin Olson, the once wonder kid of Colorado in 2002, has returned to take the reigns from Scott Russell. The not-even-30 politico has already served as an intern in the White House (under the direction on Ken Mehlman) and has extensive experience to include a governor’s race, field coordination, coalition direction and Congressional staffing.

Most recently, Dustin was Minnesota’s Coalition Director in the Presidential Election where he created a specialized bilingual outreach program, to include phone banking and GOTV.

His political understanding of diversity issues may very well come in handy in this next cycle, though more importantly, his arrival signals the finale to the shake up now GOP Chairman Bob Martinez began in March.

And Representative Gardner

Cory Gardner, the 30 year-old Allard staffer, was selected to fill Greg Brophy’s 63 House Seat this afternoon by a vote of 7-5.

He ran against former Morgan County Commissioner Mark Arndt. 

The vote, narrower than expected, almost guarantees Arndt will Primary Gardner in ’06 – though if Gardner can successfully fill Brophy’s Seat (and replicate his votes), Cory might just prove to be the next Conservative Darling of the eastern plains.

It’s (almost) Minority Leader McElhany

Reports out today indicate the next Senate Minority Leader may indeed be Andy McElhany.

The El Paso County Legislator is receiving written commitments from his supporters; Senators May, Jones, Lamborn, Brophy (that’s a nice ring), Mitchell and Spence have all guaranteed their votes to Andy.

Steve Johnson, on the other hand, has one less vote – with Entz, Kester, Taylor, Teck and (maybe) Owen pledging support.

And as for the Douglas County Senator John Evans, he has a whopping three votes, with his, Wiens and Dyer.

McCasky Is Out. Will Paschall Be Next?

As reported here and here, Jefferson County Commissioner Kevin McCasky was considering a run for CD-7…

… But he has now called both Rick O’Donnell (the current leader in the race) and Mark Paschall to inform them of his decision to not run, after all.

This comes on the heels of several reports that Mark Paschall is also lamenting the fact he’s not receiving the traction he was expecting, endorsements he was counting on, and campaign support he’d need to even be competitive against Rick…

…leaving many Republicans to believe Mark will re-think his intentions concerning CD-7.

More Reason To Be Concerned With CD-7

The Rocky has a story today about the elder brother John Salazar and his ability to cross party lines when representing his District, CD-3.

The 3rd Congressional District Democrat - a potato farmer turned politician - said he thinks so much about matching his constituents' wishes that he sometimes doesn't decide how to vote until the short walk from his office to the House of Representatives floor. Nearly a third of his votes have sided with Republicans, which is even more often than his independent-minded younger brother, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar.

Every single vote I cast, I have to (consider) what my beliefs are and what my district's beliefs are," John Salazar said. He said he tries to "defend my district, defend rural values" and ignore the party line.

Great for Democrats – Bad for Republicans.

And the Shuffle Begins

Senator Mark Hillman will be our next (acting) Treasurer. In an announcement to be made later today, Mark will resign his Senate Seat and fill-in for the now Activated Mike Coffman.

The fall-out from this news has already been reported here, but as a refresher – look for Greg Brophy to be named Senator in Vacancy Committee, leaving his House Seat (63) up, as well.

As for Hillman, this is a great coup… the appointment will allow him to run as an incumbent (though not officially) for the position he has already filed for, while concurrently ending all talk and speculation of a Primary against Joe Stengel.

Hillman Is (Officially) In

Senator Mark Hillman has filed for his Treasurer’s run in ’06…

…While Representative Joe Stengel is rumored to be re-thinking a move up the ballot.

The Senate Minority Leader has now jumped in with both feet – already raising serious money, solidifying endorsements and surrounding himself with seasoned campaigns workers.