Wait, McInnis Might Lose?

I think the following paragraph was quite insightful:

 He was always a bit of a grandstander, but he wasn't an angry man. That, my friend said, has changed. Maybe McInnis just reflects the mood of the electorate in 2010. But his style today is to attack, attack, attack. What's more he seems to be attacking the wrong guy. Has he not heard that Bill Ritter is not running?

He seems angry and defensive. And worse, he and his supporters seem to think that it's somehow effective to mix Ritter and Hickenlooper's name together. He really doesn't seem to know how to run his race now that Ritter is out. You can feel him floundering and it's kind of bizarre to watch because despite how much we beat up on him here, I thought he was running an okay race against Ritter, maybe even a smart one, by not defining the issues other than in the broadest terms. Since Ritter has opted not to run, McInnis just seems lost.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:04:31 PM UTC

I went to a lunch with McInnis a couple of weeks ago, and he didn't seem mad

except when he was talking about the current administration and General Assembly's ability to say that jobs are #1 and then do everything they can to chase the US military (yeah, you know, the State's biggest employer) out of Colorado.

Granted, he was talking to a Colorado Springs crowd and they see, everyday, the # of direct and spin off jobs that the military creates here.

A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting. - George Patton

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by: Majority Moderate @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:14:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Specifically, how has the General Assembly

chased the US military out of Colorado? Specific examples, please.  

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:16:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The residents of Colorado Springs want the military out

because they are opposed to government spending. To both oppose taxes and encourage increased military would be illogical...

Where all the cool kids will be on Saturday - Code War!

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by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:28:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That's not what MM said, though.

He said that the Colorado General Assembly has done everything they can to chase the largest employer in this state out of here. So, I'd like specific examples of that behavior since the last time I checked, the military seems to be thriving in CO Springs, even with the city being unable to afford keeping their lights on.  

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:33:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Must be the drilling rules.

No more gas drilling. No more military drills, either.

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by: OneEyedOwl @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:48:43 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Okay, the big one

When the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, the law prohibiting the selling of State owned land to the US Army to expand the Pinon Canyon maneuver site, Colorado basically said "If you want additional land to train on, please go elsewhere"

Texas, for example, heard that message loud and clear and has been wooing the Army with the possibility of expanding maneuver sites near Ft. Hood.

And when the Air Force looked at places to puts it's new Cyber Command (with Colorado Springs an obvious choice) it went to a more military-friendly state, Louisiana.

A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting. - George Patton

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by: Majority Moderate @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:26:28 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

What you just offered as proof

would be considered an opinion since even many Republican legislators were dead set against the expansion of Pinon Canyon. As was I. As were a great many people on both sides of the fence.

However, my opinion aside, I see your point and appreciate your reply, MM.  

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:32:05 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I need to correct myself

It's technically not called Cyber Command, but rather 24th Air Force.  And while it was discussed placing it at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, it eventually ended up at Lackland AFB, Texas.

A slave stood behind the conqueror, holding a golden crown, and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting. - George Patton

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by: Majority Moderate @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:33:45 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Guess who started Cyber Command

Obama. I'd like to hear you also say that Obama is a job creator if you're going to make this argument.  

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by: DevilishlyModerate @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:56:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

MM's point is well taken.

Yes, most Rs in the legislature were against Pinon Canyon and indeed the fight against it was largely led by Marilyn Musgrave. Yet, it clearly sent a message -- all the more ominous because it was so bipartisan -- that the military wasn't welcome in Colorado.   Because the area in question includes fragile grasslands that were part of the great dustbowl of the '30s, I am sympathetic to the anti-Pinon Expansion folks.  But, the fact remains, you can't take the military's money will your right hand and slap them in the face with your left.  Then Sen. Salazar tried to find a reasonable compromise but fanatical opponents carried the day.  It's not a Republican or Democrat thing, it's a NIMBY thing but I frankly feel the future of Fort Carson in Colorado may be limited.  

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by: Voyageur @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:40:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You have to also be concerned

whether the gals who provide services to the troops will stick around if the warriors move their camp.  The womens camp has always been next to the warriors camp and their services haven't changed in millennium so Colorado Springs is vulnerable to losing a very lucrative free enterprise market that currently flourishes in their town.  Sean Paige probably needs to impose (pun) a sales tax on the girls before they leave town.  Oh the horrors of losing Big Daddy and all that he brings to the little valley of these oh so conservative Big Government haters.

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by: Gilpin Guy @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 18:03:53 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The horrors of Colorado Springs Republicans

having the hated Ritter drive cush government jobs away from the area.  How will Colorado Springs survive without big daddy military paying their bills?  My God what a travesty to think that all those good white Republican Christians would not be able to make an economic killing on war.  What's a Judas to do?

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by: Gilpin Guy @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:34:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

And Hick cam can probably come up with

some concrete ideas about jobs and business community support. Many Cherry hills R type clients who wouldn't have been even slightly tempted by Ritter like Hick...a lot.

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by: BlueCat @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:19:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Of course meant

simply Hick can. Not proposing any web cam will be involved.  Thought I deleted type-o.

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by: BlueCat @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:49:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

"Angry" is an interesting adjective for McInnis

I've seen that too but I figured it was just how he was directed at as Dems. But it may well be that there is a strong undercurrent of anger in the McInnis team.

The big question then is why. I think it may be that this is not playing out as they expected (even before Ritter dropped out). And when people feel entitled to something and don't get it, they tend to get mad.

I'd definitely say that at a minimum McInnis is not well served by his core campaign team. But that does tend to be a Wadhams/Duffy trademark - poor advice.

Where all the cool kids will be on Saturday - Code War!

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by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:27:08 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Ooooh.

Excellent point right here and sadly enough, been proven to be true time and again:

I'd definitely say that at a minimum McInnis is not well served by his core campaign team. But that does tend to be a Wadhams/Duffy trademark - poor advice

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 16:34:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not "sadly" enough

I'd say HAPPILY enough. Dick Wadhams is my #1 favorite political operative as he does more to help us Dems win races than any other campaign operative in the state.

Where all the cool kids will be on Saturday - Code War!

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by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:30:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

If...

If Hick puts out a couple of ads showcasing his querky sense of humor this thing is over.

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by: Aggie @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:06:45 PM UTC

You mean "when"

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by: Colorado Pols @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 20:10:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Herzog hits one here.

Many people in Mesa County simply cannot understand that the rest of the state doesn't believe the same things they do.

Most of them need to get out more. Their world is listening to Limbaugh and Hannity on the radio and watching O'Reilly on the tube. They seldom, if ever, talk to anybody who thinks differently.

So statewide voting results often shock them.
 

Sometimes, I guess, you have to let the inner bitch out.

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by: gertie97 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:16:43 PM UTC

They should come talk to the residents of Boulder

Same tunnel vision problem, but from the opposite side.

Where all the cool kids will be on Saturday - Code War!

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by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:28:56 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It'd be so much fun to put both groups together

in a locked room and then videotape the whole thing for 3 days, wouldn't it?

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:33:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Good idea.

Toss in a few people from Aspen and I'll sell tickets.

Sometimes, I guess, you have to let the inner bitch out.

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by: gertie97 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:13:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I say that every poster here gets to pick

10 people from each of our communities to participate in this event. Now that would be fun.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:22:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That would be like

picking up a few pebbles off the top Grand Mesa here.  Wouldn't change the other 11,000 feet much.

"The fundamental difference between the liberal and the illiberal outlook is that the former regards all questions as open to discussion and all opinions as open to a greater or lesser measure of doubt, while the latter holds in advance that certain opinions are absolutely unquestionable, and that no argument against them must be allowed be heard. What is curious about this position is the belief that if impartial investigation were permitted it would lead men to the wrong conclusion, and that ignorance is, therefore, the only safeguard against terror. This point of view cannot be accepted by any man who wishes reason rather than prejudice to govern human action." -Bertie Russell

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by: WesternSlopeThought @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:44:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Let's make a list.

Okay, maybe not publicly--that might be a really bad idea.:)

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

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by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:56:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It's the inbreeding, Gertie

n/t

Today, you're either going to get better or you're going to get worse, but you're never going to be the same.  Which one will it be?  --Joseph V. Paterno

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by: Ralphie @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:35:20 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Naw, it's the tailings.

n/t

Sometimes, I guess, you have to let the inner bitch out.

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by: gertie97 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 19:13:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Right you are, gertie

Anyone who has followed Mesa County politics knows that the Republican approach to governance here is not about competent leadership.  It is a silly parlor game to most R's here.  They replace the far more proficient and skilled Bernie Buescher with the likes of Laura Bradford, to the detriment of people of Mesa County, just to have someone with an R after their name.  They elect the Republican cocktail party shmooser, Barbara Brewer, over the eminently more qualified, experienced, and far more likable, Paul Brown.  The reason local R's fabricated and touted the "golden boy" image of Josh Penry is because they are far more interested in having a Republican cozy nostra hit man than they are in competent governance.  It is why they nominate county commissioners more interested in enriching the few over the majority.

The problem is, as Scooty is finding out, you get outside the warped world of Mesa County Republican politics and that parlor game house of cards crumbles quite easily.  McInnis has already lost the extremist teabagger wing of local Rs.  And now moderates like Mr. Herzog and crew are taking aim at his incompetence and lack of executive experience.  All that, right in Scooty's home parlor.  I have a feeling, it's going to be a long few months for McInnis and his minions.

"Same old, same old isn't going to bring us victory."   -Mike May

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by: WesternSlopeThought @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 17:42:00 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Mr. McInnis has several problems

First, his strength vis-a-v Gov. Ritter was already declining before the Governor decided not to run. Mr. McInnis' high point came last summer. Since then, the Governor's poll numbers have been climbing and by November his approval rating was 54% and he was defeating McInnis in the head-to-head by 5%. Those numbers certainly didn't insure his victory but the worst was over.

Second, Mr. McInnis has never had a message. Once you get past the "I'm not the incumbent" pronouncement, he has had nothing to say. That was already beginning to harm him in the polls. He apparently forgot that people are paying attention.

Third, his tactic (its not a strategy) of "I'm not the incumbent" has been tried before and usually fails. An example is the 1836 election. The Whigs thought they would win the election hands down because the nation was in a severe recession and they began the campaign by simply stating "we aren't the incumbents" (Democrats). However, a year before the election a substantial amount of what we call today direct foreign investment began pouring into the United States. The economy began to recover and in competitive states where the Whigs continued the party line of "we aren't the incumbents" and presented no program for governing, they were badly defeated. In competitive states, where the Whigs presented a plan on how they were going to govern, they won many of the elections. Obviously, 2010 isn't 1836 and the circumstances are never exactly the same but if Mr. McInnis continues to morph into an undefined entity on the gray horizon, he will loose.

Finally, the only time he made a statement about the budget, it was a disaster. He said he will repeal FASTER and thereby remove $250 million from CDOT's budget but replace it with other general fund money while simultaneously increasing state funding for higher education without raising taxes. The Department of Corrections if only state agency that has  $250 million in general funds and that means Mr. McInnis needs to tell us what his early release program will be for about 40% of Colorado's prison inmates. It was disasterous because he obviously had not thought through his statement before making it. Not a good sign for his candidacy. He doesn't know what he is talking about. He doesn't have a plan.

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by: Republican 36 @ Tue Feb 16, 2010 at 20:46:02 PM UTC