How Much Deeper "Inside" Can You Get?

by: Colorado Pols

Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 15:35:36 PM MST

Greenwood Village Republican Walker Stapleton said he's the best choice for state treasurer based on his education and professional background.

The grandson of historic Denver Mayor Ben Stapleton and cousin to former President George W. Bush made a campaign stop at Pueblo County Republican headquarters Saturday.

As treasurer, Stapleton said he'd wisely manage state funds for the Public Employees' Retirement Association and be an advocate for taxpayers.

"I'm proud to say I've never been part of inside politics. [Pols emphasis] I've been involved with building a successful business," the 35-year-old told the small crowd...

As we mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Walker Stapleton has amassed donations from a total of 46 states, a huge network for a state treasurer's race. We don't know how many people can claim no part in "inside politics" after pulling down checks from Christian, Nancy and Phil Anschutz, Dan Ritchie, and even cousin Barbara Bush herself, but it makes for entertaining copy in the small media markets.

Here's a slightly more informed take on Walker Stapleton's life on "the outside," from a Washington Post story circa late 2006:

At every wedding, it seems, something happens not according to plan. Expect the unexpected, planners warn. But how many brides and grooms expect a peace protest?

That is what happens when the president shows up for the ceremony in the midst of a polarizing war. About 700 demonstrators marched past the seaside church where President Bush's second cousin was to be married Saturday and then up to the checkpoint guarding the family summer compound to protest the war in Iraq...

For the Bush clan, this was a weekend of family milestones, with a funeral, wedding and christening on successive days. "It's a pretty jam-packed weekend," said one relative who did not want to be named. On Friday, the family marked the death of Grace Walker, the aunt by marriage of former President George H.W. Bush. On Saturday, they celebrated the wedding of her grandson, Walker Stapleton. And on Sunday, they will christen the new daughter of Walker Stapleton's sister, Wendy.

Stapleton, 29, a real estate businessman in Colorado, is the son of the former president's first cousin, Dorothy Walker Stapleton, and her husband, Craig Stapleton, who was a partner with the current president when they owned the Texas Rangers and now is ambassador to France. Walker Stapleton and his father were with George W. Bush working out on Election Day in 2000 when Karl Rove called the Texas governor to warn him he might lose. [Pols emphasis]

Just your typical "local kid makes good" narrative, wouldn't you say? We're sorry to inform you that despite what you may have heard, "George" Walker "Bush" Stapleton was never your paperboy.