Spin Control Fail: Penry's Endorsement That Wasn't

Aren't we getting...

A little ahead of ourselves? We don't know who told the Washington Post and unless you absolutely know that then how can you accuse a campaign of something that they possibly didn't do, you're practically doing what the Post did. Maybe Penry was going to endorse him and he backed out at the last second. Maybe one of Penry's people assumed he would endorse McInnis, maybe the writer assumed he would endorse McInnis, the list goes on and on but it's unfair to say the campaign did it, unless you know for a fact that they did. Do you? Yes, it's absolutely possible, it is politics after all but I think you're being hypocritical by making it sound like you know for a fact that they did leak the story and accusing them of lying.  

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by: crazypoliticians @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:08:00 AM CST

Hey crazy, who the F cares

answer: you and the 5-6 others yahoo's that posted here.

The focus should be on the circus scheduled proposed up at the capital/capitol yesterday.  The message I got was fuck k-12 and fuck private payrolls and job creation.  Its not shared pain, its a recipe for more job losses and lower tax receipts.

These budget is another example of failed leadership, mistakes and bubbling administrative misques.

I'm just waiting for more stories such as
http://www.denverpost.com/sear...
Denver to lose 200 Frontier jobs to Milwaukee

Kudos to Union Boss Matthew Fazakas for calling out the political and business elite.

Successes in the region

Clark said Republic officials were focusing on costs and the cost of occupying buildings.

"We put several options in front of them, but they all had a cost associated with them," Clark said.

"No matter how good a bargain is, free is free."

Clark said the region has had recent recruitment successes, adding, "You just have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and say, 'That sucks,' and keep going."

Gov. Bill Ritter said in a release that the state and city offered a competitive package to keep as many jobs as possible.

"While we respect Republic's business decision, it's still disappointing," Ritter said. "But we shouldn't lose sight of the fact that Frontier Airlines remains Colorado's homegrown, low-fare airline and is helping to keep our economy strong."

Matthew Fazakas, president of Teamsters Local 961, which represents about 275 mechanics, was angered by what he called a failure of Colorado and Denver leaders to step up.

"The jobs are gone," Fazakas said. "The political leaders of this city and this state don't care."

 

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by: Libertad @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:59:05 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Oh here. Let me help you out.

I think you missed the part of the article that didn't support your lunatic ravings.

"Can't pay" their rent

"I think we came up with $16 (million), $17 million (in incentives)," Hickenlooper said. "But we can't pay the rent for them." He said it would take $2.5 million to pay the annual bill for the hangar now used by Frontier for heavy maintenance.

Included in the joint Colorado-Denver package were cash incentives, job-training incentives, forgiveness of some of Frontier's property taxes owed to the city from the airline's bankruptcy, and offsets for Denver's 3.62 percent sales tax on parts brought in to repair aircraft.

Republic chief executive Bryan Bedford said in an interview a month ago that Denver's sales tax and software tax were "prohibitively high."

Hickenlooper also noted the city has to cut $160 million from its budget, including laying off 176 employees.

Although the city wanted to keep the Frontier jobs, he said "there would be bloodshed in the streets" if the city suffered more cuts while simultaneously offering tax incentives to a business.

"That's a fair assessment on the part of the mayor," said Tom Clark, executive vice president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. "Every mayor and governor in the country is facing that as we try to lure new jobs to our cities."

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

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by: Middle of the Road @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:05:33 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Libby, did you see "Open Thread" somewhere at the top

and I just missed it?

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:12:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Whoa there killer....

I don't like Ritter as much as the next person but since this thread is about Penry and McInnis, that would be what we're talking about. Post a diary and have it promoted or post it on the open thread, then maybe you can have a showdown with someone else, on a thread that actually has to do with that.  

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by: crazypoliticians @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:13:45 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Are you serious crazy?

You have no compelling message for the electorate. Click, listen and learn.

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by: Libertad @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:03:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

He's got charisma

You've got to grant him that.  He'll be back.  Still trying to find out if he's going to run for re-election for his Senate seat.

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by: paulrosenthal @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:20:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I did like and will miss his pink campaign signs

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by: One Queer Dude @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 17:55:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Where Did All The Penry Sock Puppets Go?

Inquiring minds want to know.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:13:33 AM CST

Their local unemployment office? n/t

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

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by: Middle of the Road @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:19:03 AM CST

[ Parent ]

or the H.R. Dept. at Mesa State

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by: One Queer Dude @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:12:16 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"deputy assistant director of student development"

Let's just make it that.  Sound good ? Ok, you're hired.

"Good judgement comes from experience.  Experience comes from bad judgement" - Jim Horning

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:21:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Not hired

"Appointed."  To an "acting" position.  That way they don't have to advertise the job for a year.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:25:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It shows up in the DC media

It shows up in the DC media before anywhere else and then on top of that the McInnis releases an official statement on Penry getting out and talks to the press about it BEFORE Penry has a chance to. It seems pretty obvious who put it out there.

I wouldn't be surprised if Penry had been planning to endorse McInnis and reversed course after that.

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by: Leonard Smalls @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:16:23 AM CST

Leonard your scenario makes sense to me

Anshutz et al to Josh: It's not your turn, you need to bow out. We're going to bury your ass if you don't.
Josh:  Scooter I'm thinking about bowing out
Scooter and/or Anshutz, et al: Hey WAPO, guess what Josh is officially out, stop the presses.
Josh: FU Scooter, that wasn't for you to release to the media yet, and you sandbagged me.  I am not endorsing your sorry ass.

crazypoliticians has a good point though, it is all conjecture.

"Good judgement comes from experience.  Experience comes from bad judgement" - Jim Horning

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:27:08 AM CST

[ Parent ]

That reminds me

remember when the whispers were Holtzy was out, he resented it, stayed in, and after that point had a hell of a time convincing everyone he was still in ?

Striking in similarity.  The only difference being that the little fella pressed on.

"Good judgement comes from experience.  Experience comes from bad judgement" - Jim Horning

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:29:57 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Operative phrase there--"little fella."

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

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by: Middle of the Road @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:51:24 AM CST

[ Parent ]

before this campaign is over

Penry will endorse McInnis.  It just has to happen.  

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by: smellykat @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:34:35 AM CST

Of course he will.

But that may not be what matters.

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by: Colorado Pols @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:37:56 AM CST

[ Parent ]

As I wrote last night

If there was a deal made (and the McInnis people swear up and down there was no deal, at least on their part) Penry might just be dragging his feet holding out for the quid pro quo.  

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:37:43 AM CST

Nothing like holding out for the quid pro quo...

and receiving a swift kick in the ass !

I'm sure they'll kiss and make up though. We'll see.

"Good judgement comes from experience.  Experience comes from bad judgement" - Jim Horning

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by: Fidel's dirt nap @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 11:47:30 AM CST

[ Parent ]

How wrong can you get COPOLS?

Don't be so damn desperate for Ritter to win you have to start resorting to calling Scott and his team liars,spin masters or whatever on the Washington Post story about Penry.  Penry has some close buddies in D.C.  That's a fact.
Any number of people from Utah to D.C. could have given that to the Post.  If and when Penry endorses Scott I'm sure it will be welcomed.  Meanwhile you do your interesting blog a disservice in writing this type of garbage.  

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by: Ellie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:03:22 PM CST

Give it up for Pollyanna, everybody!

Are you so desperate for McInnis to win that you're willing to ignore the facts right in front of your face?

There, right back at ya.

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by: JeffcoBlue @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:16:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Ellie, if you've followed Josh for any length of time

you know that he does nothing that isn't orchestrated to achieve something specific.

If you can speculate for me on what Josh stood to gain by leaking the story himself, or by having a supporter do it for him, I'd consider your theory.

But after a lot of headscratching, I just don't see what would be in it for Josh for it to have happened the way you describe.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:29:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Archive D-Post and W-Post stories

Bartel's has been leaking stuff on his movements since Penry was in the House and the W-Post didn't just pull the 'Rising Star' out of it's ear.  If this was one of those times when a eager-to-be insider wanted to leak it to the Post all I'm saying there is ample evidence that it could have come from someone in that particular campaign.  I believe the McInnis campaign was as caught by surprise as anyone no matter what Penry calls recent "back channel" conversations.  Hell the obvious gap in fund raising wasn't back channel at all and you couple that with a legislative session where it would be damn difficult to raise money under CO law, I had bet on the outcome weeks ago.  Sure I'm for McInnis and totally unapologetic and God knows I have friends who don't agree with me on the subject.  My beef is that a broad brush smear that it had to be the McInnis camp is totally out of place in this instance.

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by: Ellie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 13:15:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Agree 100%

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by: crazypoliticians @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 13:47:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It would not surprise me one bit

if Mesa County Republicans are organizing a clandestine "Republicans for Ritter" movement.  They do not like shady deals made behind closed doors. And I bet they are especially pissed at the "Trailhead" remnants ousting their golden boy.  If McInnis was elected, Josh would be SOL for 8 years.  And too much can happen in that time span.  Whereas, if Governor Ritter was reelected, Penry would have a shot in 4 years.  

And before anyone pooh-poohs the possibility, remember, it was the Mesa County Republicans who led the charge in defeating Republican extremist Shari Bjorklund.  Which resulted in the election of Bernie Buescher.  

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by: WesternSlopeThought @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:52:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I would be VERY surprised

The Mesa County Republican Party is not the same now as it was in 2004.

Plus, they hate Ritter.  Remember, the County Commissioners even sued him.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:02:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I didn't say "Party"

I meant R's who like Penry.  Of course, the party couldn't come out and say it. Just as the party didn't come out and say it in the Bjorklund/Buescher race. But it did happen.

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by: WesternSlopeThought @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:09:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

And if Penry was truly Mavericky

he could come out and endorse Governor Ritter.  That would probably mean he'd have to run as an Indy in 4 years.  But it might endear him to Colorado voters.  

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by: WesternSlopeThought @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:35:34 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Ellie

Your response pointed to nothing tangible that would have been in it for Josh or staff or friends to leak this story.

On the other hand, I can think of a whole spectrum of reasons why McInnis staff might have an incentive to leak this, all the way from simple elation to getting the story in print before Josh changed his mind.

In any political action, I tend to look for the rewards.  I see none for Josh in this story getting out early.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:34:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm not surprised.....Chris Cillizza is something of a Republican shill

   It makes sense that he would be promoting GOP party unity, even when it is premature, at best.

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by: One Queer Dude @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 12:10:34 PM CST

Oh crap...

We have two morons running for governor next year.  Two morons who lack integrity.  That's the worst kind of candidate, and they're our only choices.

Next, please?

Health care "reform" will die in the Senate, and for their efforts, Democrats will be widely thrown out of office in 2010.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

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by: BoulderRepublican @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 14:58:56 PM CST

Don't despair, BR

Maybe you'll get lucky and Tancredo will file his paperwork.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:07:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

By "two" I meant Ritter and McInnis. And by...

..."we" I meant Coloradans, not Republicans.  Tancredo wont win a primary.  Penry could have, although it was an uphill fight.  I would take Dan Maes over the whole heap of 'em, but that's not happening either...

Health care "reform" will die in the Senate, and for their efforts, Democrats will be widely thrown out of office in 2010.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

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by: BoulderRepublican @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:33:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I knew who you meant

n/t

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:36:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Just wanted to make it clear I wasn't insulting Dan Maes.

McInnis is a beltway clown.  I'm now seriously conflicted about whether to vote for Governor at all...

Health care "reform" will die in the Senate, and for their efforts, Democrats will be widely thrown out of office in 2010.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

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by: BoulderRepublican @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 15:50:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Don't bother

and tell all your fellow travelers to stay home.  May as well skip the Senate race too. You know the GOPoligarchy has alrady coronated her, right? Why vote for that RINO?


"Yes Twitty, I'm an idiot." Ben Stein's $$

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by: ClubTwitty @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:09:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yeah, Maes seems like a decent guy.

I know he has no chance but I hope he stays in the race awhile. Give us all a bit more time to get to know more about him and maybe raise his name recognition for a run for office down the road.

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

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by: Middle of the Road @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 16:19:57 PM CST

[ Parent ]

So you're saying that Tancredo would be acceptable to you

except that he can't win a primary?

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

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by: Ralphie @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 19:36:04 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You want to back that up with some facts?

Ritter is not perfect. And you may disagree with his politics. But the guy has integrity up the wazoo. I've yet to hear anyone with a shred of credibility claim otherwise.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

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by: DavidThi808 @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 21:59:40 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Rumor has it...

That Mike Ciletti is the one who tipped off the Washington Post. I hear for selfish reasons, i.e. wanted an "in" at the Post.  

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by: crazypoliticians @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 21:22:43 PM CST

That doesn't make sense

Why would the campaign manager of a "top 10 likely to flip" Congressional seat need an "in" at the Post?

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by: Libertad @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 22:12:56 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Just Say'n

That's what I'm hearing from several people.

Besides...anyone and everyone on any campaign could use an "in" this is politics. It's the nature of the beast.

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by: crazypoliticians @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 22:37:12 PM CST

[ Parent ]