November 04, 2009 02:27 AM UTC

Schultheis Exits--Jim Welker Redux?

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• by: Colorado Pols

This just in: controversial GOP state Sen. Dave Schultheis has announced he will not seek re-election in 2010, profoundly disappointing Democrats who were hoping to use him as a poster child for…well, everything well-adjusted voters revile. From a blast email earlier this afternoon:

After considerable deliberation, I have decided to forego running for my second and final four-year term as a Colorado State Senator representing Senate District 9.  I will, however, continue to serve out my current term, which culminates at the end of 2010, concluding ten years of political service for the citizens of Colorado.  This has been an extremelydifficult decision for me, as I love the challenge of serving the best interests of my constituents on legislative matters, by steadfastly advocating for traditional, conservative values, which I know to be the best overall values for the citizens of Colorado and the nation.

After much prayer and discussion with family members and close friends, I have come to this decision in order to spend more time with family, including my five rapidly-growing grandsons.  As is common knowledge, the responsibilities of political office are extremely demanding on one’s time and schedule — often to the detriment of time spent with family and friends.

Having served to the very best of my ability since 2001, first in Colorado’s House of Representatives for six years and now in the Colorado State Senate, I have consistently attempted to uphold Conservative principles to the best of my ability, even when it was difficult to do so.  I remain convinced that those principles are essential for a society whose citizens value freedom, liberty and personal responsibility…

During my years in the Legislature, I have purposely never sought a leadership position, as I believed my role was to stand firmly against every temptation to moderate my conservative views for greater acceptance by the caucus.  As a result, I felt free and unencumbered, to hold high the banner of each and every conservative principle that Republicans say they believe in…and to do so without compromise.

What do you think, folks? Voluntary, or did he get the Jim Welker bum’s rush? Given all this newfound talk of “moderation” we can certainly imagine the latter being the case. Still a risk, though: imminent retirement will either muzzle Schultheis while Republicans try to fight back into a majority next year, or leave him free to ‘hold the banner high’ more than ever.

It’s a shame that Schultheis won’t be around for another five years, though, there really is a role for the creepy guy who notes how some babies deserve to get AIDS. Keeps it real, you know?