April 19, 2006 08:00 AM UTC

Holtzman May Skip GOP Convention

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• by: Colorado Pols

UPDATE: Click here?(PDF) to read the letter from the Holtzman campaign to GOP Chair Bob Martinez

According to the Associated Press, Republican Marc Holtzman may skip the state convention:

Republican gubernatorial hopeful Marc Holtzman is threatening to pull out of the state convention and petition onto the November ballot amid concerns of potential “fraud and manipulation” in how the party picks its candidates, The Associated Press has learned.

Holtzman sent a letter today to state Republican Party Chairman Bob Martinez, demanding to know why the party refused to require a single ballot for all candidates and require that ballots be given directly to delegates. They are now handed out to county captains to pass out later…

…Martinez did not immediately return a call seeking comment, but an aide said nothing has been decided on details of how delegates will vote next month.

“The party will make the decision on voting procedures and no decision has been made yet,” said Rachael Sunbarger, spokeswoman for the state GOP…

…”Sadly, we have met with objection after objection from the Bob Beauprez campaign. … It is of the utmost urgency that these matters are resolved to the full and complete satisfaction of both gubernatorial candidates,” Holtzman’s letter said.

John Marshall, a spokesman for Beauprez’s campaign, said Beauprez had agreed to Holtzman’s demands except one – putting ballot boxes at the convention in private areas. He said questions were raised about a possible fire hazard.