July 15, 2010 03:43 PM UTC

McInnis Digs In. Maes: In It to WIn It

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• by: ClubTwitty

The news gets worse for Scott McInnis, while Mr. Maes’ transgressions are so yesterday’s news.

Lawyer-lobbyist McInnis kicked down a few hundred bucks to Rolly Fischer for some background research, who–according to 7 News— claims he never knew McInnis would pass it off as his own work.  

Camp McInnis, perhaps, thought that 82 years is a long and productive life, and if someone needs tossed under the bus for the greater good…  

But apparently Fischer is not so ready to take one for the team, not a willing piece of jetsam, even calling McInnis a liar reports 7 News.

Ferrugia asked, “Rolly, is Scott McInnis lying to us?”

After some thought Fischer said, “Yes.”

The 82-year-old said, “I never knew about the foundation or any foundation Scott was associated with.”

…Fischer said he was paid a few hundred dollars per article and he believed the research was simply going to McInnis for education on water rights in Colorado in preparation for a 2008 U.S. Senate campaign.

“It was my impression Scott was looking for background information,” said Fischer.

McInnis remains in the race, according to the GJ Daily Sentinel and other sources.

“Scott is on the campaign trail, talking about jobs, economy and how to change Colorado,” Duffy said. “He’s taken responsibility for the mistake that was made. Scott is in the race to win.”

Meanwhile over at Camp Maes the mood seems a bit more upbeat, the Sentinel indicates, as Maes imagines his victory lap (keep the receipts!!!).  

“I have not asked Scott to withdraw. I will not ask Scott to withdraw. This is a personal decision for him and his family and maybe some party insiders,” Maes said. “I’m not going to kick him on his way down. He’s served our state admirably.”

Dan’s graciousness aside, an editorial chorus is rising: calling on McInnis to drop out, including the Ft. Collins Coloradoan.

Colorado is at a crossroads in the midst of an uncertain economy. Thousands of residents are without jobs, many are without hope. Colorado needs an honest, responsible leader who understands that the truth and personal integrity matter. McInnis, as seen through his actions, is not that person.

We love to excoriate plagiarists here, but dip into the cookie jar for $43,000 in ‘mileage’ and people might look the other way.  Nothing says ‘new politics’ like a little personal enrichment.  But for Maes the timing of the McInnis Meltdown is sublime.  

A blog, The State Column, notes in a diary:

Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis is searching for a political lifeline after allegations of plagiarism has harmed the campaign to an extent some say is impossible to recover from.

The questioning of Mr. McInnis’ future in politics comes after a second filing of a formal ethics complaint and continued calls for the GOP candidate to drop out of Colorado’s governor’s race.

…The politics of the allegations have thrown a close race for governor into pure and utter chaos.

Republicans, as the Politico and numerous other sources point out, are scrambling, wondering if they can head off Maes, who does not sound so inclined:

But while several top Republicans predicted it would be possible for McInnis to survive the damage to his candidacy, one GOP source tells POLITICO that some party officials have begun exploring contingency plans in the event that McInnis has to be replaced on the ballot.

…Maes claims the McInnis controversy has already boosted his fundraising efforts and said he has scheduled a meeting with state Republican Party Chairman Dick Wadhams for early next week.

“We do not know what the party’s intent is, but it does not matter to me if the party attempts to put another candidate in or not. We will stay on our plan. The people are demanding it,” Maes told POLITICO.

The notorious Colorado GOP Curse strikes again.  For now McInnis remains in damage control and claims to be staying in the race, but the pressure is already mounting and prospects are cloudy at best. Maes refuses to budge and seems to consider himself the presumptive nominee–one cannot argue with “the people.” I’m sure Hick is grateful he won’t have far to move.