May 02, 2012 04:58 PM UTC

Kevin Lundberg, Meet "Rule 11"

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• by: Colorado Pols

CD-2 Republican candidate Eric Weissmann of Boulder gleefully circulated this press release from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) yesterday:

The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced Eric Weissmann as an ‘On the Radar’ candidate, the important second step in the ‘Young Guns’ program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Weissmann is running for Colorado’s Second Congressional District.

“We are looking forward to working with Eric Weissmann, who has already proven himself by meeting rigorous benchmarks in the ‘Young Guns’ program that will position his campaign for victory,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Eric Weissmann’s dedication and experience enables him to advocate effectively for pro-growth policies and fight the failed status quo in Washington. This will stand in stark contrast to the Obama-Pelosi record of spending, borrowing and taxing that Colorado families and small businesses know has failed.”

The ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘On the Radar’ status, Eric Weissmann has met organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has already begun to establish himself as a strong contender. Weissmann will now work toward even higher goals that will help him advance in the ‘Young Guns’ program and build an effective, winning campaign.

Followed by this press release:

Jane Norton, Republican Leaders Endorse Eric Weissmann

“As someone who’s known Eric Weissmann for several years, I think he would make a great Congressman,” Norton said. “He’s a businessman who has created jobs in Colorado, knows what needs to happen in Washington, D.C. to improve our jobs climate, and isn’t afraid to tackle the big and tough issues facing our country. I’m pleased to endorse Eric in his run for Congress.”

So by this point it has most likely occurred to you–isn’t there another Republican candidate in this race? Aren’t there almost two months remaining before the CD-2 GOP primary?

Yes on both! Apparently the NRCC completely, um, forgot that Sen. Kevin Lundberg is also running for this seat, having garnered fully 80% of the votes at the assembly!

Of course, there’s a possibility that they didn’t forget. What if the Republicans, meaning Washington, DC GOP kingmakers, have decided to short-circuit our CD-2 primary? Like they did for Bob Schaffer in 2008? And as they tried to do for the very same Jane Norton in 2010?

We’ll stop being cute now, since that’s obviously what is happening. Too bad for Lundberg–the only consolation we can offer is that Ken Buck, Norton’s 2010 GOP primary opponent, refused to let himself get rolled this way. In fact, Buck is perhaps the only person we can think of who has resisted the national GOP primary kingmakers and actually prevailed.

Now we’ll find out if Lundberg has the will to fight back like Buck did.