U.S. Senate
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(D) J. Hickenlooper*
(R) Somebody
80%
20%
Governor
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(D) Joe Neguse
(D) Phil Weiser
(D) Jena Griswold
60%
60%
40%↓
Att. General
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(D) M. Dougherty
(D) Alexis King
(D) Brian Mason
40%
40%
30%
Sec. of State
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(D) George Stern
(D) A. Gonzalez
(R) Sheri Davis
40%
40%
30%
State Treasurer
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(D) Brianna Titone
(R) Kevin Grantham
(D) Jerry DiTullio
60%
30%
20%
CO-01 (Denver)
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(D) Diana DeGette*
(R) Somebody
90%
2%
CO-02 (Boulder-ish)
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(D) Joe Neguse*
(R) Somebody
90%
2%
CO-03 (West & Southern CO)
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(R) Jeff Hurd*
(D) Somebody
80%
40%
CO-04 (Northeast-ish Colorado)
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(R) Lauren Boebert*
(D) Somebody
90%
10%
CO-05 (Colorado Springs)
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(R) Jeff Crank*
(D) Somebody
80%
20%
CO-06 (Aurora)
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(D) Jason Crow*
(R) Somebody
90%
10%
CO-07 (Jefferson County)
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(D) B. Pettersen*
(R) Somebody
90%
10%
CO-08 (Northern Colo.)
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(R) Gabe Evans*
(D) Yadira Caraveo
(D) Joe Salazar
50%
40%
40%
State Senate Majority
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DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS
80%
20%
State House Majority
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DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS
95%
5%
February 06, 2006 09:00 AM UTC
60 Comments
“But now, he leaves those same Dems to wonder: couldn’t you have just said no three weeks ago?”
……….
He DID say “No”, but there were several “prominent Democrats” who kept pestering him – and thus, dragging this out – to the detriment of Ritter.
What I’d like to know is who are those “prominent Democrats” – Stryker, Gill, and Polis, perhaps?
Which makes you wonder who’s really running the Colorado Democratic Party. Strangely, Pat Waak has been awfully silent.
Spot on, Pols. The way this played out actually increases Ritter’s chance of getting the nomination, because the thought that Hick would run has kept other Dem’s out. However, it has hurt Ritter’s chances in the general, as you say (“his own party didn’t want him”!). Also, Ritter being the nominee has the potential to hurt Dems statewide. Party turnout is very important in off-year elections, and while the Dems who turn out will vote for Ritter, if he is the nominee, fewer Dems are likely to turn out.
Awful quiet from all the pro Hick bunch, the ones that had him almost into his second term already. Maybe they’re out buying Kleenex for the teary eyes and runny noses.
I am enjoying this more than when the Broncos got kicked out of the playoffs (no offense Voyageur).
Several times I was told to shut up about my questioning of the polls on him.
Polls don’t mean Jack if the candidate chickens out.
All is not well in Mudville, eh. AWWW
I don’t know that this has hurt Ritter too much… How many potential voters out there will hear Ritter’s name for the first time today? Political devotees will more than likely vote for the guy with a D or R after their name regardless of who they are.
So, to say that the Hick snafu has hurt Ritter may be a bit premature. Of course, we’ll have to see what Gecko says – he’s ALWAYS right!
Hick made a good decision for his family, himself, the state and, perhaps, even the party. I think he would have made a great target for a conservative Repub because he’s so far to the left in a Red (purple?) state. Ritter, on the other hand, agrees with the Repubs on the abortion issue and has a clean slate on most other issues. He’ll be hard to attack. Seems to me it’s too late for another Dem to jump in, but who knows? Ambitious people do dumb things, like jump into a primary race after it’s over.
I think the post is giving to much importance to the impact of Hick’s decision. I agree, during this time while Hick has been making his decision, Ritter has been overshadowed, but now that a decision is made Ritter will start to get the press again. Also the money that has been waiting to see about Hick will now start coming into Ritter, or would have been given to Ritter, so it should have little impact on his finances.
Lastly, when the general comes around, not many of your average voters are going to even remember these last few weeks or have it play into their decision. The race will be won and lost on how well each candidate connects with the voters and if people agree with their positions. This will be just a blip on the radar. It is a long time till Nov and Ritter will put up a strong fight.
“Also the money that has been waiting to see about Hick will now start coming into Ritter, or would have been given to Ritter, so it should have little impact on his finances. “
……………
I wouldn’t be so sure about that… this small handful of “prominent Democrats” are quite likely the deep pocketed ones in the party (Gill, Stryker, Polis).
And we still haven’t heard from Alice.
From 9News:
Independent poll-taker Floyd Ciruli said Ritter won’t get a big boost from Hickenlooper’s decision because many of the state Democratic Party’s big donors are concerned about Ritter’s Catholic upbringing and his conservative stand on social issues.
“He’s the Holy Mother Church,” Ciruli said. “He appears unacceptable to a big wing of the party.”
…………………
“big wing” = Big money donors.
I think the whole “his party didn’t even want him” line is going to haunt Ritter. Same could be said of Holtzman, so he has adopted the “take back the party” stance… I think it will work for Holtzman, he keeps pulling establishement folks in away from Beauprez, but I don’t see it working for Ritter. The big four pretty much did everything they could to undermine the guy. And if Alice does get in… There will be a lot of blood on a lot of shoes from that fight. Ritter will win the nomination for the Democrats, but the race will have no passion after the Primary… It will be like when Roller Heath ran against Owens.
So the good news will be a Republican Governor, but he’ll need that veto pen because the GOP can just about kiss off taking back the state house or senate. That’s where all the big Democrat money is going to go from this day on.
I watched the Hick make his little “I will not run” speech and was a little (no, a lot, really!) perturbed with his ah, shucks, folks I’m really new to this politics thing and, ergo, my 60 day sit on the pot while the world waited with bated breathe was really due to that innocence and naivete. (I wasn’t one of the world.)
The Hick is right. He’s done little with regard to his political intentions (as Mayor of Denver) and, additionally, I do believe a run for Governor would bring out some, um, well, shall we say sensitive issues that he and the missus would probably not want to deal with publicly.
Damn, though. I really wanted him to get outa’ Denver. Oh well, I’ll get over it. But, I wonder, will he?
By declaring that Hick would run, CPols proves once again it is not a reliable source of information. Now that they have been proven wrong, they take a negative tone. If anything, Hick’s delay has helped Ritter by delaying/suppressing donors and supporters who will now go to Beauprez. The only person who has been hurting Ritter is Ritter himself. And Hick’s armor is not chinked – it’s shiner than ever. Everyone is psyched that an elected official actually put the public good above personal ambition. Denver citizens are pumped!
Hick’s wife has been mentioned a couple of times now, so there must be some scuttle to be unearthed. Is it similiar to Gov. Owens’ scuttle or something totally different? Hints please.
where’s the fella that kept saying ‘you heard it hear first’, ‘mark my words’…LOL >> but only for him because he was rubbing this in a bit too much; not laughing for the usual lib’s here, that has got to sting, and I know how it feels to have your fav not run, or win for that matter.
On to the next.
Hick’s wife has been mentioned a couple of times now, so there must be some scuttle to be unearthed. Is it similiar to Gov. Owens’ scuttle or something totally different? Hints please.
I’ve held my tongue so far because so I wouldn’t say something I might regret later.
However I cannot help but to express my disappointment with the Dem “leaders”. One by one we have looked to one or another to take up the torch on our behalf and one by one they have not done it. That torch is very dim now and if its not picked up by a winner soon, it will be extinquished by lack of the initiative to keep it lit.
I had hoped we had learned our lesson 8 years ago. But I guess not.
“Hick’s wife has been mentioned a couple of times now, so there must be some scuttle to be unearthed. Is it similiar to Gov. Owens’ scuttle or something totally different? Hints please. “
……….
It’d all be speculation and rumor anyway, in my opinion.
I thought that a weird thing to say was when Hick said that his wife had more ambition than he did.
Oh, RealityCheck, please… The Hick is the supreme Huckster, the Flying Wallenda of Denver politics, the epitome of the legendary Colorado Jackalope, the snake oil salesman supreme, who took sixty days to figure out his claim to lofty idealism would, in a race for governor, probably be “found out;” that he would probably be exposed for what he is which, incidentally, I’ve already catalogued above.
I like the way, to certain right of center posters on this blog, when they thought Hickenlooper was going to run he was a shameless politician abandoning his public post, but since he’s not, he’s a coward. He never said he was going to run, and by your own prior posts you should be applauding his decision not to.
Yes, a lot of us Dems were excited at the prospect of him running and got ahead of ourselves, but (except for dragging it out too long) that’s hardly his fault. If he continues to do a good job as mayor (sorry Bitter George, but you are severely outvoted on this one) and decides to run for governor in four years(when he won’t be subject to attack for abandoning Denver after two years), the nomination likely will be his for the taking.
Brio, too bad (apparently) you’ve not had a whole lot of experience in local government. The Hick continues to amaze with his lofty rhetoric that rings empty for most of us who know what it really takes to run a city. Bitter? Nope. Just so fuc-ing happy to out of the clutches of the political bulls–it of the City and County of Denver that I’ve actually grown wings and fly daily through the glorious realms of freedom and, by the way, truth. Maybe, if the Hick comes up in four years for governor, I might be impressed; I might view him in a very different light. But, for now, we’ll simply trudge along with the Hick at the helm… No, wait, it seems the City Council is now at the helm, as the Hick has, apparently, abrogated so much of his authority to those lunatics (City Council) that Denver really cannot be said to have a “strong Mayor” form of government, afterall. So, yes, I apologize. It ain’t the Hick’s fault at all. It’s City Council’s fault.
Brio you’re right.
Ditto situation for BB — he should stay where he is in congress at least through his term.
Like Paul on the road to Damascus, or Plato rising out of the cave, George has found truth denied the rest of us (the wings, and all that). Charming. Its amazing, really, that you experienced a lot of political bullshit while working in the government. Bet that doesn’t happen under other administrations. Ah, the plight of the underappreciated civil servant.
Ah, Brio, George was surely appreciated, beleve me. Your problem, however, is correlating the term “civil servant,” to “public servant.” This is the same issue, promblem that your hero, the Hick, doesn’t seem to understand. So sorry, you denegarte the decent and honest work of thousands of civil servants who draw a paycheck from the City anc County of Denver. You are despicable and disgusting. You are, as a matter of fact, the essence of what the Ol’ Hick thought he was in battle against when he ran, oh so admirabley, on the parking meter issue, on his Vespa, with his hair slighly askew and his message, oh, well, a little muddled. So many took glee in this odd-ball’s antics. But, when it comes to governor, well, maybe not… Maybe he’s just a little too goofy for the rest of the state.
“You are despicable and disgusting.”
Oh, George, lighten up. As it is, you’re close to proving that gay men can have PMS!
-0-
Actually, Brio, We Rs think you’re smart and witty. Come on over to the dark side!
We embattled Republican moderates can use a lady like you.
Ah, Voyageur, how much you have to learn. After all these years, you still don’t understand the essence of the trenches… City government is not about Hick and his mininons. City government is about the $8.70 per hour city employee who, ultimately, collects the quarters from the parkig meters that provided the polemic for Hicks’s peculiar run for mayor.
No, gay men don’t have PMS. That’s quite impossible. (Tee-Hee on your post!) What gay men do have is impartial, stripped-to-the-bone, unabashed truth which–even though you may want to negotiate or compromise your core belifes with a cute little thing over a brew or a $6 cocktail at the Cruise Room–the facts remain the facts.
Hey guys, If Madden gets in & faces off in a primary vs Ritter, I think it is quite possible that she would win the primary with her super dooper – pro choiceness. Then she gets smoked in the general. R’s hold the guv’s mansion.
I hope that dems accross the state can see the big picture with a Ritter nomination.
On another note, I think Ken Gordon would have made a good mayor had Hickenlooper jumped in.
Thanks, Voyageur. Fact is, I considered myself an independent back when you moderates were less embattled. The rise of the religious right pushed me left, and I don’t think I’m coming back.
So where does a moderate R go when given a choice between a moderate D (Ritter) and an immoderate R?
Good question Brio. Faced between a whack job who wants to put Christ back in Hannukkah and a man who might take a position on something, some day, as long as the polls indicated that position wouldn’t damage him if it wasn’t very strong, and Bill Ritter, I think the answer is I go for the moderate Democrat.
Brio, I don’t know what a moderate R is. I’m not particulary beholdin’ to monikers like “Ds” and “Rs.” I’m kind of truth, justice and the American way kind of guy who doesn’t really careif you’re offeneded by the truth (as was apparently, Voyageur) but am the kind of guy who suggest you forget those “Rs” and “Ds” and just hop on that train that best represents your core values. How easy is that? Ya’ll seem to be so scruntched up in the concept of “R” and “D.” Fu-k, R& D.
I’m gonna have to stick with the PMS theory to explain your postings, George. I know you claim it’s impossible, but a few years ago nobody would have said gay men can marry either.
Jesus, Voyageur, who wants to suffer the ignoble consequences of being married!
This is a major Dem disaster. Ritter will drive major wedges between the major interest groups. Pat Stryker has said she will not give ONE DOLLAR to Ritter.
Can Madden recapture the flag? Will somebody else emerge as is rumored to be imminent on the GOP side?
If this race was truly going to sum up the struggle for the heart and soul of Colorado, give me Hank Brown versus Gail Schoettler…
Pat Strykker wouldn’t give one dollar to anybody. The smallest bill she carries is probably the 10,000 bill.
And don’t call me Jesus, Voyaguer, George.
I much prefer my given name of Moses.
The only two GOPers who could get into the GOV race with any degree of credebility are Bob Schaffer and Mike Coffman.
Bob ain’t running for GOV. He has a neat story to tell about that job being offered to him on a silver plate and he still turned it down.
Coffman? I don’t think so. If he is you would think he wouldn’t have had Cynthia send out that last letter.
So who’s next? Are we going to try to draft McGinnis again? That State Senator from Douglas County? Who in the world would Bruce Benson double cross Beauprez with at this stage of the game?
Seriously, I think this field is full.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry… Meant to say:
Who in the world would Bruce Benson double cross Draft Dodger Bob Beauprez with at this stage of the game?
My distinguished colleague Iron Mike is right in his conclusion, if argumentative in his tone. The R contest is down to the whack job who wants to put Christ back into Hanukkah and The Man who wasn’t there. Ritter should start measuring the governor’s mansion for new drapes, the old ones are getting a bit tacky.
Voyageur, you make it more likely I will be supporting Ritter as well. I would rather have someone who can “work with both sides” as they say, then someone with whom I agree on everything but polarizes in the process.
George, let me know when Superman announces his candidacy. In the meantime, I’ll vote for whomever I think will be reasonably effective, demonstrate some degree of integrity, and do what I’d like to see them do most of the time. For about the last 12 or 15 years, that has never meant a Republican, although it hasn’t always meant a Democrat. As for the “truth,” you seem a little quick to confuse it with your opinion, in mine.
Ack, don’t throw in the towel yet. Ritter’s got a few months to find a way.
Actually I think someone else put Christ in Hanukkah, but don’t tell that to the Jewish folks. Oy the drama.
So Draft Dodger Bob is the man who wasn’t there eh? I couldn’t agree more, just a little surprised to hear it coming from you Voyageaur?
I mean Draft Dodger Bob is just losing folks left and right, whereas Marc seems to have lost the support of prominent DEMs like Dan Willis. Next thing you know Bad Moon Rising is going show up as an Alice Madden shill.
Here’s my cracker barrel quick analysis.
If the Dems can get their act together and get behind Ritter, even with the lukewarm support of pro-choicers — I think he wins in November.
Holtzman is probably a better nominee for the radical Republicans than “Both Ways” Bob, also known as “Rubber Stamp Bob.” Holtzman can play the outsider card, while Beauprez is going to be so tarred (by Holtzman and the Dems and the Geens) as a big deficit, big government, insider banker, chickenhawk, that by election time no self-respecting Republican (or American) would even think of voting for him.
Holtzman in the general election, however, is going to be too extreme for most Coloradans … he’s to, ah, radical in his rhetoric. But I do think he will play better with the diehard, Christofascist base of the GOP than banker Bob.
This is a big day for Ritter. He’s too pro-corporate establishment for my taste, but I think he will come across as more responsible and level-headed than either Holtzman or banker Bob.
That’s just my personal political take on what today’s news means.
I might change my mind about what Hick’s decision portends … tomorrow.
I am in pretty close agreement with you, Dave. I guess I better go lie down until the feeling passes! 😉
I wonder if he likes the tag “2nd bananna”?
To Voyageur:
That’s a good one!
I’m still chuckling.
Brio: Check out the difference between the words “then” and “than.” I guarantee you may have a revelation, a rapture even. And, yes, Voyageur was right: “…despicable and disgusting…” is probably a little strong. Perhpas, “misguided and naive” may have been more appropriate. But, then, I am PMSing. Rage and uncontrolled incongruity seem to be the essential stuff of PMS. So, forgive me. As to the truth, talk to BMR about that. He’s got direct dial to the “TRUTH!”
George, my wife had a hysterectomy a few months ago to cure that nasty PMS. Will that work on guys?
Sorry, had to say it. But hey, Voyageur brought it up you know……..
Thanks, Gecko, but if they went in I’m afraid they wouldn’t find the parts they necessarily would have to remove. So, I guess I’m stuck with that monthly visitor…forever. :-]
Thanks for the language lesson, George. Perhaps you can explain to me the meaning of the phrases “to out of the clutches” and “I’m kind of truth,” along with the words “promblem”, “denegarte”, and “anc.” In the process you may find, if not a revelation, a touch of humility. No, its not worth my time to proof read my posts, either, which is why I’ve never bothered to play this game before.
As for being naive, perhaps, although its not often I get excited by a politician, and I’m certainly not excited by any political party. But for all your diatribes against Hick, I have yet to see anything from you other than generalizations and rhetoric. To be honest, since he doesn’t seem likely to stand for any elections in the next couple years, it seems moot for the time being. I promise that in two years, if this forum still exists, I will attend to your explanations for why I should not support his reelection. In the meantime, I will endeavor to refrain from comments which might reasonbly be perceived as denegarting of public servants of whatsoever polity or post.
I can’t resist.
Told you so!!
Finally a politician with perspective instead of persisting on being promoted upward regardless of legacy or appropriateness (read: competence). The Hick made the best decision.
Not to say he wouldn’t make a great Guv. He’s just not stupid enough to leave a job more valuable (based on reality) than one more prestigous (based on title).
Let draft dodger Bob and right wing Dem Bill enjoy their moments of fame.
BTW, why does everyone refer to them as “Bob” and “Ritter”? Maybe “Bill” is too common, unlike “Bob”. Or political gadflies can’t spell “Beauprez”. Or have subliminal aversion to a name which very loosely (colloquially) seems to translate to “Good President” in some languages.
I can’t resist.
Told you so!!
Finally a politician with perspective instead of persisting on being promoted upward regardless of legacy or appropriateness (read: competence). The Hick made the best decision.
Not to say he wouldn’t make a great Guv. He’s just not stupid enough to leave a job more valuable (based on reality) than one more prestigous (based on title).
Let draft dodger Bob and right wing Dem Bill enjoy their moments of fame.
BTW, why does everyone refer to them as “Bob” and “Ritter”? Maybe “Bill” is too common, unlike “Bob”. Or political gadflies can’t spell “Beauprez”. Or have subliminal aversion to a name which very loosely (colloquially) seems to translate to “Good President” in some languages.
Stupid list. Doesn’t acknowledge (or even act alive after) a post then dupes it.
Charlie, do like I do, hit the refresh button until it bleeds.
Hey George, I’m reminded of a tee shirt I have that fits your situation via Voyageur. It reads:
“Never Trust Anything That Bleeds For Five Days and Doesn’t Die”
What do ya think?
Great Gecko, I would wear it proudly.
Brio: Proofreadin’, honey, don’t allow for the substitution of “then” for “than.” That’s pretty fundamental. At least my flubs are genuinely flubs and not grammatical abortions. Oooooo…did I say abortion? Gawd, BMR will be on my ass, um, back, um, well, he’ll really object.
Brio: I don’t know what the word “denergarting” means, but can only say, RIGHT ON!, with your apparent willingness to watch the Hick’s performance through the remainder of his term as Mayor of Denver. If the City Council doesn’t absolutely strip the poor contemplitive, consensus-seeking failure as a strong mayor (read the Charter, dear brio) then, yes, indeed, I’ll be curious as well to see what the next couple of years bring.
By the way, I’m fascinated with ya’ll (brio included) anonymous posts. I understand why that might be necessary. But, really, do you all think you are so important to the great scheme of things, that you can’t honestly let it be known who the hell you are? Sure, if you’re sitting in that back office, down that little hallway that leads from the mayor’s outer office, sure, I can understand your passion to remain anonymous. But, hell, if you’re sitting in your underwear, drinking your second cup of coffee in the morning, what’s the point of anonymous? Just a thought. I’m on my period remember. So, disregard if you find this post offensive.
Next one to do a multiple post is a rotten egg!
Next one to do a multiple post is a rotten egg!
Next one to do a multiple post is a rotten egg!
The fact that Bill Ritter gets press that Dems are looking for someone else is GOOD news. It shows that Bill Ritter is the right candidate for unaffiliated and republican voters who will be turned off by Beuprez. Hickenlooper may have been the most popular candidate for the Dems, but not the best, because he just wouldn’t have enough appeal for Colorado’s third political party
The fact that Bill Ritter gets press that Dems are looking for someone else is GOOD news. It shows that Bill Ritter is the right candidate for unaffiliated and republican voters who will be turned off by Beuprez. Hickenlooper may have been the most popular candidate for the Dems, but not the best, because he just wouldn’t have enough appeal for Colorado’s third political party
I’m a little nervous about voting for a D for Governor when both the House and Senate are D. A little balance would be nice. When it was all R’s they fixated too much on voucher legislation and ignored huge budget problems. I’m watching the two R’s to see if either one of them has a moderate bone in their body. Dan’s experience concerns me about Ritter, but I have to admire a guy with convictions that supercede political ambitions. The D’s that oppose him for only that reason I have no use for.
I’m a little nervous about voting for a D for Governor when both the House and Senate are D. A little balance would be nice. When it was all R’s they fixated too much on voucher legislation and ignored huge budget problems. I’m watching the two R’s to see if either one of them has a moderate bone in their body. Dan’s experience concerns me about Ritter, but I have to admire a guy with convictions that supercede political ambitions. The D’s that oppose him for only that reason I have no use for.